Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same. The mobile terminal includes a touch screen configured to display a first page; and a controller configured to generate a panel region having a predetermined transparency on a preset region of the touch screen, if a preset touch gesture is applied to the touch screen while the first page is being displayed, and configured to display, on the panel region, at least one first function icon corresponding to information displayed on the first page. If the first page is converted into a second page, the at least one first function icon displayed on the panel region is changed to at least one second function icon corresponding to information displayed on the second page.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit ofan earlier filing date of and the right of priority to KoreanApplication No. 10-2016-0166865 filed on Dec. 8, 2016, and No.10-2016-0184415 filed on Dec. 30, 2016, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This specification relates to a mobile terminal including a bezel-lesstype touch screen or a touch screen having a thin bezel portion, and amethod for controlling the same.

2. Background of the Invention

Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals orstationary terminals according to their mobility. Mobile terminals mayalso be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminalsaccording to whether or not a user can directly carry the terminal.

Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples ofsuch functions may include data and voice communications, capturingimages and video through a camera, recording audio, playing music filesthrough a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a displayunit. Some mobile terminals additionally provide functions such asplaying an electronic game, or executing a function of multimediaplayers. Especially, recent mobile terminals may receive multicastsignal for providing visual content such as broadcasts, videos, ortelevision programs.

As it becomes multifunctional, a mobile terminal can be allowed tocapture still images or moving images, play music or video files, playgames, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as anintegrated multimedia player.

Nowadays, a mobile terminal having a structure of a bezel-less typedisplay unit where no hard keys are provided on a front surface of themobile terminal, is being presented in order to enhance design of themobile terminal, and in order to provide a larger screen. In this case,a user frequently has an inconvenience in performing a touch input tocontrol information output to an upper end or a lower end of the displayunit. Especially, in case of controlling information output to an upperside and a lower side of the display unit with one hand, or in case ofcontrolling the information by alternately touching the upper side andthe lower side with two hands, a sense of grip may be lowered, and theoperation is very unstable and inconvenient. Further, there is aninconvenience in selectively interacting with a part of the displayedinformation. Also, a malfunction may occur as the information output tothe display unit is erroneously selected, or the mobile terminal maydrop on the floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of providing a UI and a UX which can allow a user tocontrol information output to a bezel-less type display unit or adisplay unit having a thin bezel portion, with one hand, and a methodfor controlling the same.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of providing content-related information output to abezel-less type display unit or a display unit having a thin bezelportion, to a supplementary region having a short fingering distance,and capable of performing a multi-tasking through an interaction withthe supplementary region, and a method for controlling the same.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal capable of providing various UXs of a panel region which canperform a multi-interaction with a partial region or an entire region ofa screen being currently executed, and a method for controlling thesame.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, thereis provided a mobile terminal, including: a touch screen configured todisplay a first page; and a controller configured to generate a panelregion having a predetermined transparency on a preset region of thetouch screen, if a preset touch gesture is applied to the touch screenwhile the first page is being displayed, and configured to display, onthe panel region, a first function icon corresponding to informationdisplayed on the first page, wherein if the first page is converted intoa second page, the controller changes the first function icon displayedon the panel region, into a second function icon corresponding toinformation displayed on the second page.

In an embodiment, the controller may convert the first page into thesecond page, in response a drag touch input applied to the panel regionin one direction while the first page is being displayed.

In an embodiment, if the preset touch gesture is applied while the firstand second pages are being displayed on a plurality of tabs, thecontroller may recognize a tab of a currently displayed page, and mayprovide quick icons of a plurality of menus included in the recognizedtab to the panel region.

In an embodiment, if a scroll signal is received on the panel regionwhile one of the first and second pages is being displayed, thedisplayed page and the function icon provided to the panel region may besimultaneously scrolled.

In an embodiment, if one of the first and second function icons isselected while the panel region is being displayed, the controller maymaintain the panel region, and may apply an execution result of a menucorresponding to the selected function icon to one of the first andsecond pages.

In an embodiment, the controller may control an entered degree into adetailed item related to the selected function icon, based on a touchdegree of a touch input applied to the selected function icon, and maydisplay an indicator indicating the detailed item on at least one of thepanel region and the first and second pages.

In an embodiment, while a plurality of application icons are beingdisplayed on the first page, application icons having unchecked eventsamong the plurality of application icons displayed on the first page maybe provided to the panel region in a collected manner.

In an embodiment, if an icon of a specific application is selected fromthe panel region, information related to unchecked events of theapplication may be provided to the panel region. And if the informationprovided to the panel region disappears, a graphic change indicating achecked state of the unchecked events may be applied to the applicationicons displayed on the panel region and the first page.

In an embodiment, if a touch input applied to the first function icon isdragged into the first page out of the panel region, an image having itssize changed gradually may be generated on the panel region, and anexecution screen corresponding to the first function icon may bedisplayed within the image.

In an embodiment, if the execution screen is displayed on an entireregion of the touch screen, the controller may control the panel regionto disappear.

In an embodiment, if the preset touch gesture is applied while the firstpage is being displayed, the controller may display, on the panelregion, first search information obtained by searching informationincluded in the first page according to a first reference. If a touchinput in one direction is applied to the panel region while the firstsearch information is being displayed, the controller may convert thefirst search information into second search information obtained bysearching the information included in the first page according to asecond reference. And while the first search information and the secondsearch information are being displayed on the panel region, thecontroller may maintain the displayed state of the first page.

In an embodiment, while an edition screen of a home screen including aplurality of icons is being displayed on the first page, the pluralityof icons may be displayed on the panel region in a deletable manner. Andif a touch input applied to a specific icon on the panel region isreceived, the controller may delete the specific icon from the panelregion and the first page, and may output an indicator indicating thedeleted state of the specific icon from the home screen, to the firstpage.

In an embodiment, the deleted specific icon may be moved to another tabmenu generated within the panel region.

In an embodiment, the controller may provide an application result of afunction related to the first page to the panel region, and if a size ofthe panel region is changed based on a touch input, the controller maycontrol the function related to the first page to be differentlyapplied.

In an embodiment, if a drag input is applied to the panel region, anapplication range of a function related to the first page may be changedalong a path of the drag input.

In an embodiment, if a drag input is applied to the panel region, animage having its size changed gradually may be generated within thepanel region along a path of the drag input, and an application resultof the function related to the first page may be displayed within theimage.

If a part of the first page covered by the panel region is changed alongthe path of the drag input, the function related to the first page maybe gradually applied to the part of the first page, or the appliedfunction may be released.

In an embodiment, the first page may include a plurality of objects, andat least part of the objects may be provided with a notification objectindicating occurrence of an event. And if the part of the first page maybe changed along the path of the drag input so as to include the objecthaving the notification object, the controller may provide eventinformation corresponding to the notification object to the panelregion.

In an embodiment, the first page may correspond to a list including aplurality of items. And the controller may slide the panel region up anddown based on a drag input applied to the panel region, may recognize aspecific item included in the list and contacting a top line of the slidpanel region which slides, and may provide detailed information of therecognized specific item to the panel region.

In an embodiment, if a preset touch gesture is applied to the touchscreen while the first page is being displayed, the controller mayextract first type information from the first page, may reconfigure thefirst page based on the first type information, and may outputnotification information indicating the reconfigured state of the firstpage to the panel region.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will becomemore apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However,it should be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of a mobile terminalaccording to the present invention, which are viewed from differentdirections;

FIGS. 2A˜2D and 3A˜3C are exemplary views illustrating various examplesto generate, remove and transform a panel region on a touch screen,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a representative flowchart for explaining an operation of amobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows conceptual views for explaining the processes of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B are conceptual views illustrating a method forcontrolling a screen by using a panel region on an execution screen of asetting application, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 8A to 8D are views illustrating a method for controllinginformation related to applications having unchecked events, by using apanel region, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10A˜10D are conceptual views illustrating various examplesof a method for controlling an execution screen of a messageapplication, by using a panel region, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are conceptual views illustrating a method ofcontrolling information related to another party during a call, by usinga panel region, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are conceptual views illustrating a method of editingobjects included in a home screen, by using a panel region, according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14 and 15 are conceptual views illustrating variousexamples of a method for rapidly processing content output to a touchscreen, by using a panel region, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are conceptual views illustrating a method ofproviding other comparison sites by using a panel region, while productinformation is being displayed on a touch screen, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a representative flowchart for explaining an operation of amobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a conceptual view for explaining the processes of FIG. 17;

FIGS. 19A˜19B, 20A˜20B, 21A˜21B, 22A˜22C, 23 and 24 are conceptual viewsillustrating various embodiments to control application of apage-function by changing a size of a panel region, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 25, 26, 27, and 28A˜28C are views illustrating various examples ofa method of rapidly executing a proper function based on a usage patternon a page, by using a panel region, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 29A˜29B, 30A˜30C, and 31A˜31B are views illustrating variousembodiments of a method of providing a function related to an objectselected from a page, through a panel region, according to an embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not berepeated. In general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be usedto refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein ismerely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and thesuffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinaryskill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understandvarious technical features and it should be understood that theembodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanyingdrawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extendto any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to thosewhich are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be connected with theother element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with”another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context.

Terms such as “include” or “has” are used herein and should beunderstood that they are intended to indicate an existence of severalcomponents, functions or steps, disclosed in the specification, and itis also understood that greater or fewer components, functions, or stepsmay likewise be utilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartglasses), head mounted displays (HMDs), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and adigital signage.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components of FIG. 1A is not a requirement, and that greateror fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the wireless communication unit 110 typicallyincludes one or more modules which permit communications such aswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit 110typically includes one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100 to one or more networks.

To facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit 110includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobilecommunication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-rangecommunication module 114, and a location information module 115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142. If desired, thesensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionally include other typesof sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, amagnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGBsensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonicsensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera 121), a microphone 122, abattery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, ahygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermalsensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (forexample, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor,and the like), to name a few.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154. Thedisplay unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or an integratedstructure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. Thetouch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100 and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 whichprovides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and theuser.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 may provide or processinformation or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals,data, information and the like, which are input or output by the variouscomponents depicted in FIG. 1A, or activating application programsstored in the memory 170. As one example, the controller 180 controlssome or all of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according tothe execution of an application program that have been stored in thememory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail. Regarding the wirelesscommunication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is typicallyconfigured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcastchannel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, aterrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcastreceiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneouslyreceiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switchingamong broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), Wideband COMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packetaccess (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the like).

Examples of wireless signals transmitted and/or received via the mobilecommunication module 112 include audio call signals, video (telephony)call signals, or various formats of data to support communication oftext and multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE and thelike, as part of a mobile communication network, the wireless Internetmodule 113 performs such wireless Internet access. As such, the Internetmodule 113 may cooperate with, or function as, the mobile communicationmodule 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal.

As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a positionof the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPSsatellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fimodule, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based oninformation related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits orreceives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed onthe touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon,video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

A magnetic sensor 143 indicates a sensor configured to detect an objectapproaching a predetermined surface or an object which exists nearby,and a position and a direction of the object, using a force of amagnetic field. That is, the magnetic sensor 143 indicates a sensorconfigured to measure a size and a direction of a peripheral magneticfield or a line of magnetic force. In the present invention, a pluralityof 3-axis magnetic sensors 143 a, 143 b are provided at the mobileterminal 100 to more precisely sense a position and a direction of anobject which generates a magnetic field.

For this, the plurality of 3-axis magnetic sensors 143 a, 143 b may beindependent from each other, and may be spaced from each other indifferent directions. The controller 180 may execute a differentiatedoperation based on a size of a magnetic field measured by the pluralityof 3-axis magnetic sensors 143 a, 143 b. More specifically, thecontroller 180 may detect a position, a direction, an angle, etc. of anobject which generates a magnetic field, based on a size of a magneticfield measured by the plurality of 3-axis magnetic sensors 143 a, 143 b.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor 141,and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition,the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to executedifferent operations or process different data according to whether atouch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximitytouch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofpressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tab) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the mobileterminal. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A typicalstereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme suchas a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme(glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or thelike.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provide internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 10, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal. However, it is to be understood that alternative arrangementsare possible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Somecomponents may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the firstmanipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of theterminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be locatedon the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

A third camera 121 c may be further provided on a front surface of theterminal body. In this case, the third camera 121 c may be disposed nearthe first camera 121 a, or near the opposite side to the first camera121 a (i.e., the optical output unit 154).

The third camera 121 c may be provided with a wide angle lens. In thiscase, the third camera 121 c may support a wider viewing angle than thefirst camera 121 a. In a general angle mode, the first camera 121 a maybe activated for capturing. And in a wide angle mode, the third camera121 c may be activated for capturing. An image captured by the thirdcamera 121 c may include a larger number of subjects than an imagecaptured by the first camera 121 a. However, in this case, distortionoccurs toward a peripheral part of a frame.

The third camera 121 c may be activated together with or independentlyfrom the first camera 121 a when the first camera 121 a is activated. Ifthe third camera 121 c is activated together when the second camera 121b formed on a rear surface of the terminal body is activated, an imagecaptured by the third camera 121 c may be used to compensate for a whitebalance reference value of an image captured by the first camera 121 a.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, theflash 124 may illuminate the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152 b can be locatedon the terminal body. The second audio output module 152 b may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio outputmodule 152 a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone modefor call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body. The battery 191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interfaceunit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless mannerusing a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented bymagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

The display unit 151 will be explained again. A bezel portion, whichencloses a peripheral portion of the display unit 151, may be formed tobe vary thin, or no bezel portion may be formed, in order to provide alarger screen and to implement a more sophisticated design. For this, anadditional region where a home key, etc. are arranged is not provided ona lower end and/or an upper end of the display unit 151, but keys may beprovided within the display unit 151 in the form of touch keys. In thiscase, when a user contacts his or her finger to information displayed onan upper end or a lower end of the display unit 151 or the touch key,sliding of the finger, etc. may occur frequently. Further, if thedisplay unit 151 is formed to have no bezel portion, an up and downlength of the display unit 151 becomes long. This may cause a difficultyin controlling information output to the display unit 151 with a singlehand.

Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 of the present invention, which hasthe aforementioned display unit, may provide a panel region for easilycontrolling information output to the display unit 151, within thedisplay unit 151. And the mobile terminal 100 may perform variousinteractions with respect to information output to the display unit 151,by using the panel region. Hereinafter, various operations to generate,remove and transform a panel region on the display unit 151, will beexplained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter,the display unit 151 may be referred to as the touch screen 151.

FIGS. 2A˜2D and 3A˜3C are exemplary views illustrating various examplesto generate, remove and transform a panel region on a touch screen,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example to generate a panel region within thetouch screen 151. While first screen information 201 is being displayedwithin the touch screen 151, if a preset touch gesture (e.g., an upwardtouch input starting from a lower end of the touch screen 151) isdragged (211), the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 mayrecognize the touch gesture as an input of a control command forgenerating a panel region.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2B, a region having a predeterminedtransparency is gradually withdrawn from the lower end of the touchscreen 151, along a path of the drag input applied to the touch screen151, thereby covering part of first screen information 201 (212). Whilethe region is being withdrawn, the display state of the first screeninformation 201 is maintained. If the region is withdrawn from the lowerend of the touch screen 151 up to a predetermined line, the region isfixed to a corresponding region (hereinafter, will be referred to as a‘panel region’) as shown in FIG. 2C (220).

The panel region 220 is displayed on a first part of the touch screen151, and the first screen information 201 is continuously output to asecond part of the touch screen 151. Both of the first and second partsof the touch screen 151 maintain an activated state. A user may controlinformation output to the panel region 220 based on a touch inputapplied to the first part, and may control the first screen information201 based on a touch input applied to the second part.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the panel region 220 is disposed at a lower part ofthe touch screen 151, and is formed to cover part of the first screeninformation 201. And the panel region 220 may be formed to have apredetermined transparency, such that a part (‘C’) of the first screeninformation 201 being displayed on the touch screen 151 may be viewed asglass through the panel region 220. That is, the part (‘C’) of the firstscreen information 201, covered by the panel region 220, may be viewedsemi-transparently

As shown in FIG. 2C, the panel region 220 may be generated to ahorizontal length equal to a horizontal length of the touch screen 151,i.e., may be formed to have a structure to cover all of right and leftside surfaces of the touch screen 151. As another example, the panelregion 220 may be generated to a horizontal length shorter than thehorizontal length of the touch screen 151, i.e., may be formed to have astructure where at least one of the right and left side surfaces of thetouch screen 151 has a space of a predetermined gap. In this case, thefirst screen information 201 may be continuously displayed on the spaceof the predetermined gap, while the panel region 220 is being displayed.

Information related to the first screen information 201 may be output tothe panel region 220. A touch input may be applied to the panel region220, and information output to the panel region 220 may be controlledbased on the applied touch input.

FIG. 2D illustrates an example to remove a panel region formed withinthe touch screen 151. While the panel region 220 is being displayedwithin the touch screen 151, if a preset touch gesture (e.g., a downwardtouch input starting from any point of the panel region 220) is dragged,the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may recognize the touchgesture as an input of a control command for removing the panel region.Accordingly, with a visual effect that the panel region 220 is graduallyinserted into the lower end of the touch screen 151, the panel region220 disappears from the touch screen 151 completely. If the panel region220 disappears, the first screen information 201 is displayed on anentire region of the touch screen 151.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples to generate a panel region on a differentposition when the touch screen 151 undergoes a mode conversion into ahorizontal mode. FIG. 3A shows a first panel region 220A withdrawn by anupward drag input from a lower end of the touch screen 151, in ahorizontal mode of the touch screen 151. The first panel region 220A maybe arranged in a state where a ratio between a horizontal length and avertical length has been controlled, in correspondence to the horizontalmode of the touch screen 151. As another example, FIG. 3B shows a secondpanel region 220B withdrawn according to a drag input applied from aright or left end toward the center, in a horizontal mode of the touchscreen 151. In this case, if the touch screen 151 is converted into avertical mode, the first panel region 220A or the second panel region220B may be converted into the panel region 220 shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3C shows an example to change a size of the panel region 220 basedon a drag touch input. Referring to FIG. 3, while the panel region 220is being displayed within the touch screen 151, if a drag touch inputapplied to any point of the panel region 220 or applied to an upper endbar is dragged towards an upper end of the touch screen 151, a positionof the upper end bar of the panel region 220 is changed along a path ofthe drag touch input. As a result, an up and down length or a height ofthe panel region is more increased (hereinafter, will be referred to asan ‘extended panel region’). The controller 180 may determine an up anddown length or a height of a panel region 220L extended incorrespondence to a release point of the drag touch input applied to thepanel region 220. Alternatively, the controller 180 may generate adifferent control command according to a release point of the drag touchinput applied to the panel region 220.

FIG. 4 is a representative flowchart for explaining an operation of themobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, a first page is displayed on the touch screen 151 of the mobileterminal 100 according to the present invention (S10). Here, the firstpage may have any type. The first page may be an initial screen of aspecific application, a screen of a specific execution step, or a homescreen. Alternatively, the first page may be a screen corresponding toone of a plurality of tabs.

While the first page is being displayed on the touch screen 151, themobile terminal 100 may sense occurrence of an event which calls a panelregion (S20).

The panel region may be defined as a supplementary screen region forproviding information related to a screen displayed on the touch screen151. The event which calls a panel region may be generated in responseto a preset touch gesture applied to the touch screen 151.Alternatively, the event which calls a panel region may be generated inresponse to a preset other type of user input (e.g., a voice command, ahard key push input or a specific gesture input), or in response tooccurrence of other type of event (e.g., sensing a connection with aspecific mobile terminal, etc.)

If the event which calls a panel region occurs, the controller 180generates a panel region having a predetermined transparency, on a partof the touch screen 151 (S30).

More specifically, as an image is gradually withdrawn from a lower endof the touch screen 151 along a path of a drag touch input applied tothe touch screen 151, a panel region may be generated on a lower part ofthe touch screen 151. Once the panel region is generated, part of thefirst page, which was being output to the touch screen 151, is viewedsemi-transparently or is scarcely viewed through the panel region. If asoft key such as a home key or a back key was being displayed on a lowerregion of the touch screen 151, the soft key such as the home key or theback key may be semi-transparently viewed on a part of the panel regioncorresponding to the lower region. The display state of the first pagemay be maintained on a part rather than the panel region on the touchscreen 151.

Next, the controller 180 provides a first function icon corresponding toinformation displayed on the first page, onto the generated panel region(S40).

The first function icon may be one of an object, an icon and a menu forexecuting a specific function, which may match a menu included in thefirst page one by one or may correspond to a part of the menu includedin the first page. Alternatively, the first function icon may correspondto a specific object, icon, menu, etc. for applying a specific functionto information displayed on the first page, or for processing theinformation by correlating with a specific function.

If the first page displayed on the touch screen 151 is converted into asecond page, the controller 180 may change the first function icon onthe panel region, into a second function icon corresponding toinformation displayed on a second page (S50).

The conversion of the first page into the second page may be executedbased on a touch input applied to the first page, or based on a touchinput applied to the panel region.

In the latter case, a user may easily convert the first page output tothe touch screen 151 into the second page, through an interaction with apanel region having a short fingering distance. For instance, if thefirst and second pages are displayed on a plurality of tab menus withinthe same window, and if the tab menus are displayed on an upper end ofthe touch screen 151, a tab conversion can be performed by using a panelregion having a short fingering distance, resulting in easily performinga page conversion.

When the first page is converted into the second page, if a page turningeffect is output, the controller 180 may simultaneously apply the pageturning effect to the first and second function icons on the panelregion. Accordingly, while a part of the first page and a part of thesecond page are being simultaneously displayed on the touch screen 151,a part of the first function icon and a part of the second function iconmay be simultaneously displayed on the panel region.

FIG. 5 shows conceptual views for explaining the processes of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, as a setting application is executed, a first pagecorresponding to a first tab among a plurality of tabs, i.e., a networksetting screen 501 may be displayed on the touch screen 151.

A long bar type indicator composed of a plurality of regions may bedisplayed on an upper end of the network setting screen 501. Informationabout convertible tabs (e.g., sound/alarm, screen, etc.) may bedisplayed on each of the plurality of regions included in the indicator.For instance, a network setting menu may be displayed on a first regionof the indicator, a sound/alarm setting menu may be displayed on asecond region of the indicator, and a screen setting menu may bedisplayed on a third region of the indicator. And a bar type movingobject 511 a indicating a position of a currently-displayed tab menu maybe displayed on a lower end of the indicator, or near the lower end ofthe indicator.

Various menu items related to a network setting, and icons for settingan on/off state of the menu items may be displayed on the networksetting screen 501. A currently-set value of a corresponding icon may bechanged based on a touch input.

While the network setting screen 501 is being displayed, if an upwarddrag input starting from a lower end of the touch screen 151 (or aflicking input) is received, a panel region 520 having a predeterminedtransparency gradually appears along a path of the drag input. Morespecifically, the panel region 520 is withdrawn from the lower end ofthe touch screen 151 so as to gradually cover a lower part of thenetwork setting screen 501. Once the panel region 520 is located withina preset region, the panel region 520 is fixed to a correspondingposition. Accordingly, the touch screen 151 is divided into a first partwhere the network setting screen 501 is continuously output, and asecond part where the panel region 520 is output.

It can be expressed that the panel region 520 is layered on the networksetting screen 501, and the network setting screen 501 is layered belowthe panel region 520. However, in the present invention, both of thefirst and second parts of the touch screen 151 maintain an activatedstate even while the panel region 520 is being displayed. Accordingly,in case of controlling the first part and then controlling the secondpart, or vice versa, an additional input for selecting one of the firstand second parts is not required.

If an upward drag input starting from the lower end of the touch screen151 (or a flicking input) is received, the controller 180 may recognizea tab of a page currently-displayed on the touch screen 151. And thecontroller 180 may provide quick icons of a plurality of menus includedin the recognized tab, to the panel region 520.

More specifically, quick setting icons 521, 522, 523, 524 correspondingto setting menu items displayed on the touch screen 151 andcorresponding to setting icons with respect to the setting menu itemsmay be displayed on the panel region 520. A display order of the quicksetting icons 521, 522, 523, 524 corresponds to a display order of thesetting menu items displayed on the network setting screen 501 (e.g.,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, data, etc.). On each of the quick setting icons 521,522, 523, 524, a setting value of a corresponding setting menu item isdisplayed.

The controller 180 may change the setting value of the correspondingsetting menu item, based on a touch input applied to each of the quicksetting icons 521, 522, 523, 524. In this case, the changed settingvalue may be also displayed on the network setting screen 501 layeredbelow the panel region 520. Soft keys such as a back key, a home key anda recent apps-viewing key, which have been displayed before the panelregion 520 is generated, are semi-transparently viewed on a lower end ofthe panel region 520. Accordingly, the controller 180 may control thesoft keys layered below the panel region 520 based on a touch applied tothe panel region 520 (e.g., a single touch input exceeding a referencepressure), while maintaining the panel region 520.

Although not shown, in an embodiment, only quick setting iconscorresponding to some setting menu items which satisfy a presetcondition may be provided to the panel region 520 on the network settingscreen 501. In this case, the setting menu items displayed on thenetwork setting screen 501 may be reconfigured or may have a sizechange, based on the quick setting icons displayed on the panel region520.

As the network-related setting menus displayed on an entire region ofthe touch screen 151 are re-arranged within the panel region 520 havinga short fingering distance, a user's fingering distance becomes short.That is, a user may control the setting menu items displayed on a regionhaving a long fingering distance, using a single hand, based on a touchinput applied to the panel region 520.

Next, if a drag touch input in one direction (e.g., a flicking input ora drag touch input towards the left side from the right side) is appliedto the panel region 520 (refer to ‘TR’), the network setting screenlayered below the panel region 520 may be converted into a next tabscreen corresponding to a drag direction. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 5, the network setting screen 501 is converted into a second pagecorresponding to a second tab among the plurality of tabs, i.e., asound/alarm setting screen 502. With such a configuration, a user needsnot directly touch the indicator disposed on an upper end of the networksetting screen 501, in order to change a tab screen in a settingapplication.

When the network setting screen 501 corresponding to the first tab isconverted into the sound/alarm setting screen 502 corresponding to thesecond tab, a screen change corresponding to the tab conversion isoutput to the panel region 520. More specifically, the quick settingicons 521, 522, 523, 524, corresponding to the setting menu items of thenetwork setting screen 501, are changed into quick setting icons 525,526 corresponding to setting menu items of the sound/alarm settingscreen 502, in a seamless manner.

Here, if the touch input (TR) applied to the panel region 520 is draggedin a reverse direction, the sound/alarm setting screen 502 is convertedinto the network setting screen 501. As a result, the quick settingicons displayed on the panel region 520 are also changed in a seamlessmanner.

As another embodiment, FIG. 6 shows an operation when a plurality ofsetting menu items corresponding to an executed setting application areformed as pages which can be scrolled up and down, not a plurality oftabs.

Referring to FIG. 6, while a setting screen 601 a corresponding to afirst page is being displayed on the touch screen 151, if an up and downscroll operation is applied to the touch screen 151, the first page isscrolled up and down, and a setting screen 601 b corresponding to asecond page is output. In this case, if a preset touch gesture, e.g., anupward drag touch input (or a flicking touch input) starting from alower end of the touch screen 151 is applied, a panel region 620 iswithdrawn. And quick icons 621, 622, 623 of setting menu items providedonto the second page are displayed on the panel region 620.

Then, if an up and down scroll operation is applied to the panel region620 (TS), the setting screen 601 b corresponding to the second pagelayered below the panel region 620 is scrolled. As a result, a settingscreen corresponding to a third page (e.g., a page including a homescreen icon) is gradually output. Unlike in FIG. 5, parts of theplurality of pages may be simultaneously displayed according to a scrolldegree of the scroll operation.

While the page scroll is being performed, the quick icons 621, 622, 623output to the panel region 620 are also scrolled. Information output tothe panel region 620 may be scrolled in a direction different from thescroll direction of the touch screen 151, e.g., in a leftward direction.As a result, some (621, 622) of the quick icons 621, 622, 623 disappearsequentially to the left side, and quick icons 624, 625 of new settingmenu items may appear sequentially from the right side.

As aforementioned, the present invention provides a UX capable of easilyand rapidly controlling objects output to a currently-displayed screenwith a single hand, by using a panel region.

As another embodiment, FIGS. 7A and 7B show examples to rapidly controla setting value of a detailed setting item, with a single hand, by usinga panel region on an execution screen of a setting application.

Referring to FIG. 7A, while a panel region 720 is being displayed on alower part of the touch screen 151, a touch input may be applied to aspecific icon 721 among quick setting icons 721, 722, 723 displayed onthe panel region 720. Then, a queue image 721 a, indicating one or morecontrollable detailed setting items corresponding to the quick settingicon 721, may be output. For instance, when there are three controllabledetailed setting items, a queue image 721 a having three dots mayappear.

Next, if a continuous touch input is applied to the quick setting icon721 or if pressure exceeding a reference pressure is sensed on the firsttouch point, other icons 722, 723 are converted into an inactive state.And a window 731 which displays the detailed setting items correspondingto the quick setting icon 721, is popped-up on the panel region 720. Auser may change a current volume setting value by directly touching oneof the detailed setting items displayed on the window 731, or byapplying a continuous touch input to the quick setting icon 721 in atoggling manner. For instance, based on the number of times that a touchinput is applied to the quick setting icon 721, the current volumesetting value displayed on the window 731 may be repeatedly changed inorder of sound, vibrate, silent, sound . . . .

The controller 180 may apply a control result with respect to the quicksetting icon 721 on the panel region 720, to a setting page screenlayered below the panel region 720. More specifically, referring to FIG.7A, if the current volume setting value is changed by directly touchingone of the detailed setting items displayed on the window 731, or byapplying a continuous touch input to the quick setting icon 721, anotification icon indicating the change of the current volume settingvalue may be popped-up on a setting page layered below the panel region720. Alternatively, a display bar formed on an upper end of the touchscreen 151 may have a status change. For instance, a bar type indicator,indicating the detailed setting item displayed on the window 731 haschanged into ‘vibrate’ from ‘sound’, may appear and then disappear on asetting page layered below the panel region 720.

The controller 180 may control an entered degree into a detailed itemrelated to a corresponding function icon, based on a touch degree of atouch input applied to the function icon displayed on the panel region720.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 7A, if a touch degree of a touchinput applied to the quick setting icon 721 (sound setting icon)displayed on the panel region 720 is less than a reference pressure,only the queue image 721 a or the window 731 is displayed. On the otherhand, if a touch input exceeding the reference pressure is applied tothe quick setting icon 721, the mobile terminal may directly enter avolume control step of the current setting value (sound mode) of thequick setting icon 721, as shown in FIG. 7B. As a result, the quicksetting icon 721 displayed on the panel region 720 is immediatelyconverted into a volume control bar 732. That is, FIG. 7B illustrates amethod of entering a depth at a time, the depth greater than that of thedetailed setting item (‘sound’) of the quick setting icon 721.

The volume control bar 732 includes a moving object indicating a currentvolume value, and the volume control bar 732 is disposed such that themoving object is located on a touch point of a touch input applied tothe quick setting icon 721. That is, the current volume value is locatedon the touch point, even though a touch applied to the volume controlbar 732 is not released. As a result, a user needs not additionally movethe touch point of the touch input applied to the quick setting icon 721for control of a volume value, onto the position of the current volumevalue within the volume control bar 732.

For instance, as shown in a right and lower region of FIG. 7B, when thecurrent volume value is great (CV1) and is small (CV2), a position ofthe volume control bar 732 is changed. In some cases, a part of thevolume control bar 732 may be displayed on a region rather than thepanel region 720. Alternatively, one part of the volume control bar 732may be displayed on the panel region 720, and another part thereof maybe omitted.

Once the volume control bar 732 is displayed, the current volume valuemay be controlled by dragging a touch input exceeding a referencepressure within the volume control bar 732, without releasing the touchinput. That is, the current volume value may be changed by moving atouch point of a touch input exceeding a reference pressure within thevolume control bar 732. Here, a bar type indicator 733 indicating thechanged current volume value may be real time displayed on a displayedsetting page 701.

Although not shown, when a touch degree of a drag touch input applied tothe volume control bar 732 is changed, the volume control bar 732 may beconverted into the quick setting icon 721.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are views illustrating various examples related to amethod for rapidly checking information on applications having uncheckedevents, with a single hand, by using a panel region.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a home screen 801 may be output to a touch screen151, and the home screen may include a plurality of objects. Theplurality of objects may include application icons, widgets, buttons,menus, files, folders, images, links, etc. A graphic object indicatingthat a corresponding application has an unchecked event may be displayedon some of the plurality of objects. The event may be occurrence of anaccident which influences on an operation of at least one applicationinstalled at the mobile terminal, occurrence of an accident whichchanges an item of database (or a data file) related to at least oneapplication, or occurrence of an accident which transmits or receivesdata to or from an external terminal or an external network through theat least one application. For instance, a ‘call reception’ or a ‘messagereception’ may be an example of the event. Accordingly, the uncheckedevent may be an unchecked state of an update completed, a non-responseto a call received, an unchecked message received, etc.

Once the unchecked event occurs, a graphic object (e.g., badge-typenotification information) indicating one or more unchecked events, maybe attached to a specific object (a corresponding object). For instance,it can be seen that a second icon 811 among objects displayed on thehome screen 801 has received no event, and a third icon 812 has threeunchecked events through notification information 812 e attachedthereto.

In a state where some objects 812, 813, 814, 815 included in the homescreen 801 have been provided with notification information indicatingexistence of one or more unchecked events, if an upward flicking touchinput starting from a lower end of the touch screen 151, the controller180 recognizes the objects 812, 813, 814, 815 having unchecked events.And said some objects 812, 813, 814, 815 having unchecked events andincluded in the objects displayed on the home screen 801 are providedonto a withdrawn panel region 820, in a collected manner. For instance,as shown in FIG. 8A, a third icon 821, a fourth icon 822, a ninth icon823 and a tenth icon 824, which correspond to said some objects 812,813, 814, 815, respectively, are provided within the panel region 820.Accordingly, a user may check applications having one or more uncheckedevents at a glance, using the panel region 820, and may rapidly enter acorresponding application using a single hand, as will be explainedhereinafter.

Notification information (e.g., 821 e) including information on thenumber of unchecked events may be attached to each of the icons providedonto the panel region 820. A display order of the icons provided ontothe panel region 820 corresponds to a display order of the objectsdisplayed on the home screen 801.

In an embodiment, while objects having unchecked events are beingdisplayed on the withdrawn panel region 820 in a collected manner, theobjects displayed on the home screen 801 may be reconfigured based onthe objects displayed on the panel region 820. For instance, the objectsdisplayed on the panel region 820 may not be displayed on the homescreen 151, and objects on the home screen 151 covered (blocked) by thepanel region 820 may be moved to an upper side of the panel region 820.

Next, if a drag touch input (or a flicking touch input) is applied tothe panel region 820 in a horizontal direction, the controller 180 mayperform a page conversion (in case of a plurality of pages) of the homescreen 151, along the touch direction. Here, while the drag touch inputis applied to the panel region 820, a graphic object (e.g., a dot-typequeue image) indicating a current page of the home screen may appear anddisappear.

In response to a conversion of the home screen layered below the panelregion 820 into a second page 802, the objects displayed on the panelregion 820 are changed to correspond to the second page 802. Morespecifically, if an icon 817 having no event and an icon 816 having anunchecked event are together displayed on the second page 802 of thehome screen, the previously-displayed icons 821, 822, 823, 824 disappearfrom the panel region 820, and icons 825, 826, 827 having one or moreunchecked events and displayed on the second page 802 of the home screenare displayed in a collected manner.

If the drag direction of the drag touch input applied to the panelregion 820 is changed, a part of the second page 802 and a part of thefirst page 801 of the home screen may be simultaneously displayed, orthe second page 802 may be re-converted into the first page, based on adrag degree. And a dot-type queue image indicating a position of thecurrent page of the home screen may be displayed on a lower end of thepanel region 820.

In an embodiment, even when a drag touch input in a horizontal directionis applied to an exposed region of the home screen while the panelregion 820 is being displayed, a page conversion of the home screen anda reconfiguration of objects displayed on the panel region 820 may besimultaneously performed.

Although not shown, in an embodiment, if an up and down scroll operationis applied to the panel region 820, only objects having unchecked eventsdisplayed on the panel region 820 may be changed while the current pageof the home screen is maintained. In this case, while the up and downscroll operation is applied, a scroll bar indicating a current positionof the displayed objects may appear according to the number of objectsto be displayed on the panel region 820.

FIG. 8B shows an example to rapidly check an unchecked event, with asingle hand, by using a panel region 820.

Referring to FIG. 8B, while icons 821, 822, 823, 824 having one or moreunchecked events displayed on a home screen 801 are being displayed onthe panel region 820, if a touch input is applied to the specific icon822, information related to unchecked events of a correspondingapplication is provided to the panel region 820.

More specifically, when the fourth icon 822 displayed on the panelregion 820 is touched, information on unchecked events (a, b, c, d)which have occurred from an application corresponding to the fourth icon822 is displayed on the panel region 820. In this case, a scroll bar 835may be displayed on a right side (or a lower end) of the panel region820, according to an amount of the displayed information on uncheckedevents. A user of the mobile terminal may select specific eventinformation among the information on unchecked events displayed on thepanel region 820 (a, b, c, d), thereby checking detailed information(b□) of the specific event information. In this case, the displayedstate of the home screen 801 layered below the panel region 820 ismaintained.

After the detailed information of the unchecked events is checked, thecontroller 180 may return to a list of objects having one or moreunchecked events, based on a touch input applied to the panel region 820(i.e., may return to the previous step). For instance, as shown in FIG.8B, a corresponding operation may be performed by using a back keylayered below the panel region 820 and viewed semi-transparently at alower end (on the left side) of the panel region 820. For this, if atouch input is applied to the left side of the lower end of the panelregion 820, the controller 180 may recognize the touch input as a touchinput with respect to the back key layered below. If a proximity touchapplied to the back key is sensed, a transparency of a correspondingposition may be increased in order to induce a touch input, or the backkey may move to the panel region 820 as if it floats onto a watersurface. If a touch input is applied to the back key viewed on the panelregion 820, the list of objects having one or more unchecked events isre-displayed on the panel region 820.

When the information related to one or more unchecked events output tothe panel region 820 disappears, a graphic change indicating a checkedstate of the corresponding unchecked event may be simultaneously appliedto the panel region 820 and the home screen 801 layered below. Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 8B, an object having its unchecked eventschecked, may disappear from the list displayed on the panel region 820,or badge-type notification information attached to a correspondingobject 812 may disappear from the home screen 801. In this embodiment, auser may rapidly check unchecked events with a single hand, by using thepanel region 820, while a displayed state and an activated state of acurrent screen are maintained.

FIG. 8C shows an example to rapidly control information related to anunchecked event, based on a touch input applied to a panel region.

Referring to FIG. 8C, while a list of objects 821, 822 having uncheckedevents is being displayed on a panel region 820, a user may approachdetailed information of the unchecked events, more rapidly, based on atouch degree of a touch input applied to the panel region 820. Morespecifically, when a touch input is applied to a specific object 821having three unchecked events 821 e on a list, information related tothe three unchecked events is provided in the form of a summary or apreview (833, 834).

In this case, the controller 180 may differently control an amount ofinformation related to a corresponding specific event, based on a touchdegree of the touch input applied to the panel region 820. For instance,when the touch input applied to the specific object 821 has a largepressure, detailed information 833 c on a firstly-occurred event (a)among the three unchecked events, is displayed on the panel region 820.If the detailed information 833 c has a large amount, the detailedinformation may be automatically scrolled while the touch input ismaintained, at a predetermined speed or at a speed corresponding to anintensity of the touch input. As another example, if the detailedinformation 833 c has a large amount, a height (or size) of the panelregion 820 may be upward extended temporarily, while the touch input ismaintained.

If the touch input is maintained even after the detailed information 833c on the firstly-occurred event (a) has been displayed, detailedinformation 834 c on an event (b) next-occurred from the specific object821 may be sequentially displayed on the panel region 820.

FIG. 8D illustrates an example to rapidly check unchecked events of anext/previous page of a home screen, out of detailed information. Morespecifically, while detailed information 833 c or 834 c of uncheckedevents is being displayed, if a drag touch input (or a flicking touchinput/a swipe touch input) is applied to a panel region 820 or a homescreen 801 layered below, a next or previous page 802 of the homescreen, corresponding to a drag direction, is displayed. As a result,objects 825, 826, 827 having one or more unchecked events, correspondingto the changed page, are displayed on the panel region 820 in acollected manner.

As another example, FIGS. 9 and 10A-10D illustrate various examples of amethod for controlling an execution screen of a message application, byusing a panel region.

Referring to FIG. 9, an execution screen 901 of a message applicationmay be displayed on the touch screen 151. The execution screen 901 maycorrespond to one of a plurality of tabs. An indicator bar 901 t,including a plurality of regions where tab information has beendisplayed, may be displayed on an upper end of the execution screen 901.And a moving bar 901 b, indicating a position of a current tab, may bedisplayed on a lower end of the indicator bar 901 t.

A list of a plurality of chatting room items 911, 912, 913, 914corresponding to chatting room tabs, may be displayed on the executionscreen 901. Here, if a touch input applied to a lower end of theexecution screen 901 is upward dragged, the controller 180 may determinea type of information to be provided to a panel region 920, byrecognizing a position of a current tab corresponding to the displayedexecution screen 901.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 9, chatting room icons 921, 922, 923having unchecked messages on a currently-displayed chatting room tab maybe selectively provided to the panel region 920. Here, information onthe number of unchecked messages may be displayed on each of thechatting room icons 921, 922, 923, in the form of a badge.

Next, if a drag touch input (or a flicking touch input/a swipe input) isapplied to the panel region 920 or the execution screen 901 in ahorizontal direction, the current tab layered on the panel region 920 isconverted into another tab corresponding to a drag direction. Forinstance, the chatting room tab (first tab) 901 may be converted intoanother party search tab (second tab) 902. A list of other personsstored in a contact information list of the mobile terminal may bedisplayed on the second tab 902.

Information provided to the panel region 920 is changed to a typecorresponding to a converted tab. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, thechatting room icons 921, 922, 923 having unchecked messages are changedinto other person icons 924, 925 which have undergone a profile updateprocess. In this case, while a page turning effect is applied to thepanel region 920, a part of the chatting room icons 921, 922, 923 havingunchecked messages and a part of said other person icons 924, 925 whichhave undergone a profile update process may be together displayed,according to a drag degree and a drag direction of a drag touch inputapplied to the panel region 920 or the execution screen 901.

In an embodiment, in a case where a tab conversion is performed based ona touch input applied to the indicator bar 901 t, it is determined thata user is using two hands for control. Accordingly, the panel regionserving as a supplementary screen may be removed. In this case, thecontroller 180 may control a visual effect to be output, the visualeffect indicating that the panel region is being gradually inserted intoa lower end of the touch screen 151.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show detailed examples to interact between a panelregion and a page layered below the panel region, based on a touchinput.

Referring to FIG. 10A, while a moving bar 1000 b is fixed to a chattingroom tab among a plurality of tabs 1001 t corresponding to execution ofa message application, a page 1001 which displays a plurality ofchatting room items is displayed on a touch screen 151. In this case,chatting room icons 1021, 1022, 1023 having unchecked messages aredisplayed on a panel region 1020 withdrawn based on a preset touchgesture.

If a touch input is applied to the specific chatting room icon 1021 ofwhich unchecked messages are to be checked, a chatting screen 1021 ccorresponding to the specific chatting room icon 1021 may be providedonto the panel region 1020, or only unchecked messages may be providedin the form of a preview. Alternatively, unchecked events received froma chatting room corresponding to the specific chatting room icon 1021,e.g., various information such as sending money (remittance), receivedimages, links, presents, schedules and account numbers, are providedonto the panel region 1020. In this case, the display state of the page1001 layered below the panel region 1020 is maintained.

If the touch input applied to the specific chatting room icon 1021 isnot released, or if a touch input consecutively applied to any point onthe chatting screen 1021 c is dragged to a region on the page 1001 outof the panel region 1020, the controller 180 generates an image havingits size increased gradually, on the panel region 1020. And an exposeddegree of the chatting screen corresponding to the specific chattingroom icon 1021 is gradually increased with the image. That is, anexposed degree of the chatting screen output to the panel region 1020may be linearly changed. In this case, if a preset color (e.g., lightgray) is applied to the panel region 1020, it can be visually seen thata region of the page 1001 blocked by the panel region 1020 is graduallyincreased, as the size of the panel region 1020 is gradually changed.

The controller 180 may differently process the selected specificchatting room icon 1021 or the chatting screen 1021 c, according to arelease point of a drag touch input. More specifically, if a releasepoint of a drag touch input applied to the panel region does not exceedthe center of the touch screen 151, the exposed degree of the chattingscreen may be gradually decreased such that the size of the panel region1020 may return to the original state. On the other hand, if a releasepoint of a drag touch input applied to the panel region exceeds thecenter of the touch screen 151, the upper end of the panel region 1020is fixed to a horizontal line corresponding to the release point of thedrag touch input.

If a release point of a drag touch input applied to the panel regionexceeds a predetermined range (e.g., about ⅔ of the touch screen), thesize of the panel region is enlarged to the entire region of the touchscreen 151. Then, if a predetermined time (e.g., 1˜2 seconds) lapses,the page layered below the panel region is converted into the chattingscreen output to the panel region, and the panel region disappears fromthe touch screen 151. For instance, a drag touch input applied to thepanel region 1020 (e.g., a light gray display region on the panel region1020) is linearly increased to the entire region of the touch screen 151along a path of the drag touch input, and then disappears after apredetermined time lapses. As a result, the page layered effect is alsoremoved.

With such a configuration, a user needs not scroll pages repeatedly, inorder to search a chatting room where there are old unchecked messages.Further, unchecked messages may be rapidly checked through the panelregion while the current page is maintained, and an interesting visualeffect may be provided when the mobile terminal enters a chatting roomby using the panel region.

Even after entering a specific chatting room 1002 by using the panelregion, as shown in FIG. 10A, a user may recall the panel region 1020 byapplying an upward drag touch input starting from a lower end of thetouch screen 151 (or a flicking touch input).

In this case, the controller 180 may search information included in thedisplayed chatting room 1002 (e.g., dialogue content) according to afirst reference, in response to a preset touch gesture applied to thetouch screen 151. And the controller 180 may provide first searchinformation obtained as a result of the search, to the panel region. Forinstance, the controller 180 may provide undownloaded images 1024, 1025,1026 among images shared on the displayed chatting room 1002, to thepanel region 1020, in a collective manner.

The controller 180 may differently process the first search informationprovided onto the panel region, based on a type of a touch input appliedto the panel region. For instance, when a short touch input is appliedto one of the undownloaded images 1024, 1025, 1026 displayed on thepanel region 1020, a user may enter a detailed view of the correspondingimage through the panel region. As another example, when a long touch ora double-short touch is applied to one of the undownloaded images 1024,1025, 1026, the images provided to the panel region may be convertedinto a download execution screen of the corresponding image. As anotherexample, if a touch input applied to one of the undownloaded images1024, 1025, 1026 is dragged to the displayed chatting room 1002, achatting screen at a time point when the corresponding image has beenshared is displayed on the entire region of the touch screen 151. Thismay provide another search reference to search for a specific chattingtime point with respect to a chatting screen.

FIG. 10B shows an example to rapidly change a search reference based ona touch input applied to a panel region.

Referring to FIG. 10B, while the chatting room 1002 to chat with aspecific person (‘Tom’) is being displayed on the touch screen 151,undownloaded images 1024, 1025, 1026 shared on the correspondingchatting room (hereinafter, ‘first search information’) may be providedto a panel region 1020 which covers a lower part of the chatting room1002. In this case, a dot-type queue image 1020 q, indicating a positionof a current tab and existence of another search reference, may bedisplayed on a lower end of the panel region 1020.

While the first search information is being displayed on the panelregion 1020, if a drag touch input is applied to the panel region 1020,the controller 180 searches for chatting content of the chatting room1002 layered below the panel region 1020, according to a secondreference. Then, the controller 180 converts the first searchinformation provided to the panel region 1020, into second searchinformation corresponding to the second reference. For instance, thecontroller 180 may provide only link information 1031, 1032, 1033 sharedon the chatting room 1002, onto the panel region 1020. In this case, adot-type image indicating a changed tab position is displayed on a lowerend of the panel region 1020.

A method for controlling the link information 1031, 1032, 1033 providedonto the panel region 1020, may be implemented by the examples shown inFIG. 10A. The aforementioned first and second references are merelyexemplary. That is, various search references such as a reference setbased on content of exchanged messages (e.g., frequently-used keywords)or a reference set based on a chatting time (e.g., a specificdate/period) may be applied. With such a configuration, it is possibleto check specific type of information in a collective manner, or torapidly search a chatting time when specific information has beenshared, while an activated state of a chatting screen currentlydisplayed is maintained.

Next, FIGS. 100 and 10D illustrate different examples to change a sizeof a panel region in order to check detailed information.

Referring to FIG. 100, in a case where chatting room icons 1021, 1022,1023 having unchecked messages are selected from a chatting room list1001 displayed below a panel region 1020 to be provided onto the panelregion 1020, chatting rooms having unchecked messages may be accessedbased on a touch input applied to the panel region 1020. In this case, auser may enter the chatting rooms having unchecked messages while theactivated state of the chatting room list 1001 displayed below the panelregion 1020 is maintained.

If a touch input is applied to the specific chatting room icon 1021among the chatting room icons 1021, 1022, 1023 displayed on the panelregion 1020, the controller 180 accesses a chatting room correspondingto the specific chatting room icon 1021, and provides an access result1020 c through the panel region.

In this case, a displayed degree of the access result is variableaccording to a touch degree of the touch input applied to the specificchatting room icon 1021. For instance, as shown in FIG. 100, if thetouch input applied to the specific chatting room icon 1021 has a highpressure, the height of the panel region is increased 1020′ to providemore a larger amount of access result, i.e., a larger amount of contentof dialogues exchanged on the corresponding chatting room. In this case,if the pressure of the touch input is decreased, the height of the panelregion is decreased to reduce the amount of access result.

As another example, if a touch input is applied to the specific chattingroom icon 1021, only a predetermined amount of access result (1021 c)may be output to the panel region 1020. In this case, an indicator tocheck a larger amount of access result, e.g., an arrow-type guide object1050, may be displayed on a lower end of the panel region. If a usertouches the guide object 1050, the height of the panel region may belinearly increased (1020 c′) while the touched state is maintained, anda larger amount of access result may be provided. Once all of the accessresult is scrolled, the image of the guide object provided to the lowerend of the panel region is changed (1050 a) for user's recognition.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are conceptual views illustrating a method ofcontrolling information related to another party during a call, by usinga panel region, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11A, while a voice/video call is performed by usingthe mobile terminal, a call screen 1101 may be displayed on the touchscreen 151. If a preset touch gesture is applied to the touch screen 151during a call, a plurality of tab menus 1120 t including information onanother party may be provided on a panel region 1120. For instance, asshown in FIG. 11A, a message chatting screen 1121 showing messagesexchanged with another party may be provided on a first tab menu, and amap screen indicating a current position of said another party may beprovided on a second tab menu. And photos shared with said another partymay be provided on a third tab menu.

While the message chatting screen 1121 corresponding to the first tabmenu is being displayed on the panel region 1120, if a drag touch input(or a flicking input/a swipe input) is applied to the panel region 1120in a horizontal direction, or if a touch input is applied to theplurality of tab menus, a moving bar 1120 b displayed on a lower end ofthe plurality of tab menus 1120 t moves from the first tab menu to thesecond tab menu. In this case, the displayed state of the call screen1101 layered below the panel region 1120 is maintained, and only themessage chatting screen 1121 on the panel region 1120 is converted intoa map screen 1122 corresponding to the second tab menu. This isadvantageous in that a user can search information related to anotherparty through the panel region 1120, while continuously performing avideo call.

The controller 180 may change a type, an arrangement order, etc. of thetab menus provided on the panel region 1120, according to another partyand calling content. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11A, if a user hasnot much chatted with another party in the form of an instant message,the message chatting screen 1121 corresponding to the first tab menu maynot be provided or may be provided as the last tab. As another example,if a user chats about a specific application (e.g., an e-mailapplication) during a call, an execution screen of the e-mailapplication may be preferentially provided to the first tab menu of thepanel region 1120. As another example, if a user continuously chatsabout a specific place name during a call while a map screen is beingprovided to the panel region 1020, information related to a position(‘first position’) indicated by the specific place name and a currentposition (‘second position’), e.g., a distance between the first andsecond positions, may be displayed on the map screen of the panel region1020.

A type and an arrangement order of tab menus provided to the panelregion 1120 during a call, may be dynamically changed during the call.

FIG. 11B shows a detailed example to control information provided to aplurality of tab menus, during a call. While a call screen 1101 is beingdisplayed, if a photo tab is selected from a plurality of tab menusprovided to a panel region 1120 (e.g., a moving bar 1120 b moves to athird tab menu), a plurality of images shared with another party, or aplurality of images stored in a gallery application of the mobileterminal are provided to the panel region 1120 in the form ofthumbnails.

If a specific image 1131 among the displayed thumbnail images istouched, a detail view 1131 v of the specific image 1131 is displayed onthe panel region 1120.

While a specific content is being displayed on the panel region 1120, ifa preset touch gesture (e.g., an upward drag input starting from thelower end of the touch screen 151, or a flicking input) is applied oncemore, a sub panel region 1132 which provides function icons related tothe information output to the panel region 1120 is withdrawn from thelower end of the panel region 1120. In this case, it may be expressedthat the sub panel region 1132 is layered on a part of the panel region1120. And it may be expressed that a part of the panel region 1120 islayered below the sub panel region 1132.

A plurality of function icons, related to a specific contact displayedon the panel region 1120 (i.e., the detail view 1131 v of a specificimage), may be provided onto the sub panel region 1132. If a drag inputis applied to the sub panel region 1132 right and left, the plurality offunction icons may be scrolled such that other function icons may bedisplayed along a path of the drag input. If a downward drag input isapplied from an upper end of the sub panel region 1132 or any point ofthe panel region 1120 towards the lower end of the touch screen 151, thesub panel region 1132 may disappear with a visual effect that the subpanel region 1132 is being introduced to the lower end of the touchscreen 151.

If a touch input is applied to a specific icon (e.g., a messageapplication icon 1132 b) included in the sub panel region 1132, thedetail view 1131 v displayed on the panel region 1120 is transmitted toanother party's terminal through a message application. Then, the subpanel region 1132 disappears, and a message transmission result 1141 isdisplayed within the panel region 1120. In this case, if the messagetransmission result 1141 is displayable on one of the plurality of tabmenus generated on the panel region 1120, a current tab menu (‘secondtab menu’) of the panel region 1120 is automatically converted intoanother tab menu (‘first tab menu’) which can display the messagetransmission result 1141, as shown in FIG. 11B.

In an embodiment, if the call corresponding to the call screen 1101 isterminated, the various tab menus provided to the panel region 1120 maydisappear. That is, the tab menus provided to the panel region 1120 maybe provided while the call is maintained, and information related to ascreen (e.g., a recent call recording screen) displayed before the callstarts may be provided to the panel region 1120 when the call isterminated.

In this embodiment, while the displayed state of the call screen ismaintained, information related to another party or a call contentduring a call may be checked, or relevant information may be immediatelyprocessed during the call. This may be very advantageous to a videocall, especially.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are conceptual views illustrating a method of editingobjects included in a home screen, by using a panel region, according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12A, while an edition screen 1201 of a home screen isbeing displayed on the touch screen 151, if an upward drag touch inputstarting from the lower end of the touch screen 151 (a flicking input ora swipe input) is applied, a plurality of deletable objects included inthe edition screen 1201 of the home screen may be displayed within awithdrawn panel region 1220. That is, a user may edit the objects of thehome screen disposed at an upper side of the touch screen 151 by usingthe panel region 1220, while holding the mobile terminal with one hand.

More specifically, a plurality of erasable objects (e.g., widget icons1221, 1222, 1223) may be displayed on the panel region 1220 in the formof a list, and each of the plurality of objects may be provided with adeletion icon (‘x’). A user may rapidly delete a desired object amongthe plurality of objects provided to the panel region 1220, with onehand, by touching the deletion icon attached to the desired object. Inthis case, if a swipe input is applied to the panel region 1220 rightand left or up and down in order to search a desired object to bedeleted, the objects provided to the panel region 1220 may be scrolledalong a direction of the swipe input, and other objects of the homescreen may be displayed.

If a touch input is applied to the deletion icon attached to a specificobject (e.g., widget 3 icon) among the plurality of objects (e.g.,widget icons 1221, 1222, 1223) provided to the panel region 1220, thewidget 3 icon is deleted from the panel region 1220 and the editionscreen 1201 of the home screen. As a result, an indicator 1211indicating that the deletion of the widget 3 icon may be displayed onthe edition screen 1201, and then may disappear. Further, the widget 3icon displayed on the panel region 1220 may be provided with deletioninformation 1223 d differentiated from the other icons 1221, 1222. Thedeleted widget 3 icon may be provided to the panel region for a presettime (e.g., 24 hours), and the deleted state thereof may be cancelledbased on a touch input applied to the panel region.

As another example, referring to FIG. 12B, as a touch input is appliedto a specific object (e.g., widget 3 icon) among the plurality ofobjects (e.g., widget icons 1221, 1222, 1223) provided to the panelregion 1220, a deletion tab may be generated within the panel region1220. That is, if a touch input is applied to the deletion icon of thewidget 3 icon, the other deletable icons 1221, 1222 remain in a firsttab menu. And the deleted widget 2 icon is moved to a newly generatedsecond tab menu. A user may move a moving bar 1220 b provided at a lowerend of the first tab menu, to a lower end of the second tab menu.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12B, the user may apply a swipe touchinput to the panel region 1220 to check the deleted widget 3 icon 1223or to restore the deleted widget 3 icon by using a restoration icon 1223c. As a result, the widget 3 icon 1223 in the second tab menu is movedback to the first tab menu. If one of the widgets is additionallydeleted later, the deleted widget is moved to the second tab menu fromthe first tab menu.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are examples to recognize a specific person's facefrom an image selected from a gallery application, and to provide aprocessing related to the selected image to a panel region. Morespecifically, while a specific image 1301 selected as a galleryapplication is executed is being displayed on the touch screen 151, thespecific image 1301 may be rapidly processed by using a panel region1320. For this, while the specific image 1301 is being displayed, if theaforementioned touch gesture is applied to the lower end of the touchscreen 151, the controller 180 may recognize a type of the displayedcontent, and may extract a face region from the specific image 1301 forrecognition. As a result, the controller 180 may provide a recentchatting room 1321 with a specific person, corresponding to therecognized face region, within the panel region 1320.

While the recent chatting room 1321 with a specific person is beingdisplayed on the panel region 1320, if a touch input exceeding areference pressure is applied to a background region of the recentchatting room 1321 or a region where the specific image 1301 has beenoutput, the specific image 1301 may be transmitted to a mobile terminalof the specific person through the recent chatting room 1321. If thetransmission is completed, a transmission result 1322 is output to therecent chatting room 1321 displayed on the panel region 1320. Such anoperation may be also applied when a selected image is a video or when avideo is being played. With such a configuration, a user may rapidlytransmit a corresponding image by using the panel region having a shortfingering distance (fingering distance), while a current content isbeing played.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 13B, while a specific content isbeing displayed, a plurality of tab menus related to a processing of thespecific content may be generated on a panel region 1320. While theplurality of tab menus are provided to the panel region 1320, if thepanel region 1320 is swiped right and left (B) while a touch input (A)applied to the specific image 1301 displayed on the touch screen 151 ismaintained, the tab menus displayed on the panel region 1320 areswitched from each other while the displayed state of the specific image1301 is maintained. As a result, a moving bar displayed on a lower endof the tab menus on the panel region 1320 is moved from a first position1320 b to a second position 1320 b′. And information 1321 correspondingto the tab 1 displayed on the panel region 1320 is changed intoinformation 1322 corresponding to the tab 2.

After one of the tab menus displayed on the panel region 1320 isselected, if a touch input or a long-touch input exceeding a referencepressure is applied to the specific image 1301 displayed on the touchscreen 151, the controller 180 may apply a representative functionincluded in an execution screen of an application provided from theselected tab menu, to the specific image 1301. For instance, as shown inFIG. 13B, the displayed specific image 1301 may be uploaded through aspecific SNS application, and an image upload result 1331 may beprovided to the panel region 1320.

As another example, FIG. 14 shows an example to search a text selectedfrom a touch screen, through a plurality of search engines provided to apanel region 1420.

Referring to FIG. 14, while a message-based chatting screen 1401 isbeing displayed, a specific text (e.g., ‘COM port view’) may be selectedfrom a specific message 1411 by a long-touch input. In the selectedstate of the specific text (e.g., ‘COM port view’), if a preset touchgesture is applied to the touch screen 151, the controller 180 mayrecognize the selected specific text as an input keyword. Then, thecontroller 180 provides a plurality of search engines for executing asearch by inputting the selected specific text as a keyword, to thepanel region 1420. For this, as shown in FIG. 14, the panel region 1420may be divided into a plurality of search engine regions.

If a specific search engine 1421 is selected from the panel region 1420,the selected specific text is automatically input as a key word. Then, asearch result 1431 of the specific search engine 1421, e.g., adefinition of the input key word, is provided to the panel region 1420.In this case, if a swipe touch input is applied to the panel region 1420right and left, a search result by another search engine may be providedto the panel region 1420.

As another example, FIG. 15 illustrates an example to rapidly provideuser's log-in information by using a panel region. While a log-in screen1501 of a specific web page (e.g., search site, account searching pageof financial application, etc.) is being displayed on the touch screen151, if the aforementioned preset touch gesture is applied to the touchscreen 151, the controller 180 may search log-in information (e.g., IDand password information) corresponding to the displayed log-in screen1501, from the memory 170. Then, the controller 180 may provide thelog-in information to a panel region 1520 in the form of an icon 1521.For this, when the log-in information is firstly input by using avirtual keyboard, the panel region may be called to rapidly store theinput log-in information.

On the icon 1521 provided to the panel region 1520, the log-ininformation may be displayed in the form of a password (e.g., a symbolof *). If a large amount of log-in information is stored in the memory170, all of the log-in information may be provided in the form of alist. In this case, a nickname (e.g., Shinhan Bank), additionally inputwhen the log-in information is stored in the memory 170, may bedisplayed together with the log-in information.

Then, if specific log-in information is selected from the panel region1520, guide information 1522 for performing a user's authenticationprocedure is provided to the panel region. The user's authenticationprocedure may be implemented in various forms such as a fingerprintauthentication and a password input, which will not be explained in moredetail. Once the user's authentication procedure is completed, thespecific log-in information selected from the panel region 1520 isautomatically input to the log-in screen 1501 layered below the panelregion 1520, and the panel region 1520 automatically disappears.Accordingly, a logged-in screen 1502 of a specific web site is displayedon an entire region of the touch screen 151.

As another example, FIGS. 16A and 16B are conceptual views illustratinga method of rapidly comparing and selecting purchase information of auser's interested product, by using a panel region. A user of the mobileterminal may enter a purchase screen of an interested product, by usinga specific site, a specific social commerce, etc.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 14A, while a purchase screen 1601 of aspecific site or a specific social commerce is being displayed on thetouch screen 151, if an upward drag touch input (or a flicking touchinput or a swipe touch input) starting from the lower end of the touchscreen 151 is applied, the controller 180 may call a panel region 1620gradually withdrawn from the lower end of the touch screen 151.

In response to the aforementioned preset touch gesture applied to thetouch screen 151, the controller 180 may recognize information on apurchase product displayed on the purchase screen 1601 displayed on thetouch screen 151, and may automatically search the same purchase producton other site or other social commerce stored in the mobile terminal,based on the recognized information. For this, the controller 180 maytransmit, through the wireless communication unit 110, the recognizedinformation on the purchase product, to a database (DB) interworked witha plurality of sites or social commerce stored in the mobile terminal.

As a result, a plurality of other purchase information 1621, 1622 on thesame purchase product, searched from other sites or other socialcommerce, are displayed on the withdrawn panel region 1620, in acomparable manner. The purchase information may include productinformation, price information, purchasable site (or social commerce)information, an image of a purchase product, user's review information.Such purchase information may be provided within the panel region 1620in the form of a list. In this case, the purchase information on thesame purchase product, displayed on the panel region 1620, may bedisplayed in order corresponding to a preset reference (e.g., in orderof low price, in order of high purchase rate, etc.).

If there are a large number of searched purchase products which can becompared with each other, a purchase product to be compared may besearched based on an up and down scroll or a right and left scrollapplied to the panel region 1620.

As shown in FIG. 16A, if a touch input is applied to one of theplurality of purchase information provided to the panel region 1620, thecurrent purchase screen 1601 is converted into a page 1602 of acorresponding site (or social commerce) which provides the purchaseinformation selected from the panel region 1620. For this, the pluralityof purchase information provided to the panel region 1620 may includelink information for moving a current page to a corresponding site (orsocial commerce). And each of the plurality of purchase information isimplemented to perform a corresponding link when a touch input isapplied thereto.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 16B, a plurality of tab menus 1620t may be generated on the panel region 1620, such that purchaseinformation on the same purchase product may be compared with each otherin more detail. For instance, a plurality of tab menus 1620 t, such as amenu indicating a price order, a menu indicating a purchase order and amenu indicating a recommendation order, may be generated on an upper endof the panel region 1620. As a drag touch input is applied to the panelregion 1620, a moving bar 1620 b has a position change (1620 b′) suchthat comparison results on the same purchase product are checkedaccording to a comparison reference (e.g., purchase order) provided fromother tab menu. As a result, a plurality of purchase information 1623,1624 displayed in order of online users' purchase is provided on thepanel region 1620, the purchase information 1623, 1624 about the sameproduct as the purchase product displayed on the purchase screen 1601layered below.

In the aforementioned embodiments, since the display unit having abezel-less structure or a thin bezel portion provides a supplementaryregion having a short fingering distance (fingering distance),information output to the display unit may be rapidly controlled by onehand. Further, since information output to the display unit and thesupplementary region interact with each other, a multi-tasking relatedto the information output to the display unit may be performed moreeasily. Further, while the displayed state of the current screen ismaintained, the supplementary region having a short fingering distance(fingering distance) is used to rapidly check and control detailedinformation of specific information. This does not require an additionalpage conversion or a frequent conversion between applications. Further,the supplementary region is withdrawn like a drawer only when necessary,and is inserted when not necessary. Accordingly, an advantage of thedisplay unit having a bezel-less structure or a thin bezel portion maybe maintained.

FIG. 17 is a representative flowchart for explaining an operation of amobile terminal according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

Firstly, a first page is displayed on the touch screen 151 of the mobileterminal 100 according to the present invention (S1710). Here, the firstpage may have any type. The first page may be an initial screen of aspecific application, a screen of a specific execution step, or a homescreen. Alternatively, the first page may be a screen corresponding toone of a plurality of tabs.

While the first page is being displayed on the touch screen 151, themobile terminal 100 may sense occurrence of an event to call a panelregion (S1720).

Here, the panel region may be defined as a supplementary screen regionfor providing information related to a screen displayed on the touchscreen 151. And the event to call a panel region may be generated inresponse to a preset touch gesture applied to the touch screen 151, forexample. Alternatively, the event to call a panel region may begenerated in response to a preset other type of user input (e.g., avoice command, a hard key push input, or a specific gesture input), oroccurrence of other type of event (e.g., sensing a connection with aspecific terminal, etc.). Hereinafter, all types of user inputs togenerate such an event may be referred to as ‘inputs to call a panelregion’.

If an event to call a panel region occurs, the controller 180 generatesa panel region having a predetermined transparency on one region of thetouch screen 151 (S1730).

More specifically, as a drag touch input is applied to the touch screen151, a panel region may be generated at a lower part of the touch screen151 while an image is being gradually withdrawn from the lower end ofthe touch screen 151. Once the panel region is generated, a part of thefirst page being output to the touch screen 151 may be viewedsemi-transparently, or may be scarcely viewed. If a soft key such as ahome key or a back key was being displayed on the lower end of the touchscreen 151 before the panel region is generated, the soft key such as ahome key or a back key may be also viewed semi-transparently on a lowerend of the panel region, or an interaction may be performed by a touchinput. The displayed state of the first page may be maintained on aregion of the touch screen 151 rather than the panel region.

Then, the controller 180 may provide, onto the generated panel region,an application result (applying result) of a function related to thefirst page (S1740). Here, the function related to the first page maymean a specific function frequently used when the first page or anapplication corresponding to the first page is used. For this, thecontroller 180 may record and learn a user's usage pattern while thefirst page or an application corresponding to the first page is beingexecuted. Then, if the first page or the application corresponding tothe first page is re-executed, the controller 180 may immediatelyexecute a specific function frequently used, based on the user's usagepattern, as soon as an input to call a panel region is applied. Thespecific function may be applied to a part of the first page, e.g.,information displayed on a region covered by the panel region among thefirst page.

While the panel region is being displayed, if the size of the panelregion is changed based on a touch input, the controller 180 maydifferently control an application of the function related to the firstpage (S1750). That is, the controller 180 may change a type of afunction to be applied, an application range of a function, and/or anobject to which a function is to be applied.

If a drag touch input is applied from any point of the panel region upand down, the controller 180 may display the panel region by changing avertical length of the panel region along a direction and a path of thedrag touch input. Once the vertical length of the panel region ischanged, a region of the first page covered by the panel region isincreased or decreased, and information to be displayed on the panelregion is also changed. For instance, if the panel region is upwardpulled (moved), an application range of the function related to thefirst page may be also linearly increased by the upward-pulled degree.As another example, if the panel region is downward pulled (moved), anapplication range of the function related to the first page may be alsolinearly decreased by the downward-pulled degree. In this case, the partof the first page to which the specific function has been applied may beintuitively compared with the remaining part of the original first page.

Hereinafter, the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 will beexplained in more detail with reference to FIG. 18.

Firstly, a specific web page 1801 where a foreign language (e.g.,English) not a mother tongue is written may be displayed on the touchscreen 151 of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the controller 180may pre-recognize, from a background, a program to execute a functionfrequently used at the specific web page 1801 or an applicationcorresponding to the specific web page 1801, for example, a translationfunction. For this, the memory 170 of the mobile terminal 100 may storetherein history and usage patterns of functions used through aninterwork with the displayed specific web page 1801. If a usage patternhas not been formed, a table matching a specific function interworkedaccording to each application or a specific step of each application maybe utilized.

While the specific web page 1801 is being displayed, if an upward dragtouch input (a flicking touch input/a swipe touch input) is applied tothe lower end of the touch screen 151, the controller 180 recognizes thetouch input as occurrence of an event to call a panel region.Accordingly, a panel region 1820 having a predetermined transparency maybe generated on a preset region of the touch screen 151. In this case,the preset region may be implemented as a vertical length is formed as apredetermined height from the lower end of the touch screen 151, and asa horizontal length is formed to correspond to a horizontal length ofthe touch screen 151.

The controller 180 may immediately execute a function frequently usedthrough an interwork with the displayed specific web page 1801, e.g. atranslation program, in response to reception of an input correspondingto an event to call the panel region 1820. And a result 1802 a obtainedby translating the foreign language (e.g., English) into a mother tongue(e.g., Korean) may be displayed on the generated panel region 1820. Inthis case, an application range of the translation function may be theforeign language included in a web page semi-transparently covered bythe panel region 1820.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, a part of the specific web page 1801translated into the mother tongue, is displayed on the panel region 1820at a lower side of the touch screen 151. And the remaining part of theoriginal web page 1801, written in the foreign language, is displayed atan upper side of the touch screen 151. Referring to FIG. 18, sometranslation results 1802 a (‘Korean sentences translated from theEnglish sentence ‘I miss you guy. Please call me.’) are displayed on thepanel region 1820. However, in an embodiment, the original Englishsentences (‘I miss you guy. Please call me’) may be displayed togetherwith the Korean sentences.

Next, if the size of the panel region 1820 is changed based on a touchinput, the controller 180 may differently control an application rangeof a function related to the displayed specific web page 1801, e.g., atranslation function.

More specifically, if an upward drag input starting from any point onthe panel region 1820 is applied, one end of the panel region 1820 isfixed to the lower end of the touch screen 151, and another end of thepanel region 1820 is upward moved along a path of the drag input. Thatis, the size of the panel region is increased. Accordingly, a largerregion of the web page 1801 is blocked by the expanded panel region1820L.

The controller 180 continuously translates the English included in theweb page 1801, which is linearly blocked along the path of the draginput. And the controller 180 provides further results of thetranslation (Korean sentences) within the expanded panel region 1820L(1802 b). For this, if a drag input is applied to the panel region 1820,the controller 180 generates an image having its size gradually changed,within the panel region 1820, along a path of the drag input. Then, thecontroller 180 displays, within the image, an application result of afunction related to the first page. In this case, a region of theoriginal web page 1801, written in the foreign language (English), isgradually decreased. On the other hand, a region of the web page 1801translated into the mother tongue, displayed on the expanded panelregion 1820L, is gradually increased.

If a top line of the expanded panel region 1820L is positioned in themiddle of the text lines of the original web page 1801, only text linescompletely included in the expanded panel region 1820L may betranslated, or text line positioned on an uppermost end of the expandedpanel region 1820L may not be translated. A user may rapidly compare astate before the translation with a state after the translation, withsliding the panel region up and down.

The controller 180 may differently process the image according to arelease point of the drag input applied to the panel region 1820.

For instance, if the drag input applied to the panel region 1820 isreleased on an upper end of the touch screen 151, as shown in FIG. 18,one end of the image may be continuously fixed to the lower end of thetouch screen 151, and another end of the image may be fixed to the upperend of the touch screen 151. As a result, the expanded panel region1820L is displayed in an entire window mode. A translation result 1802 cof the entire specific web page 1801 into the mother tongue is displayedwithin the panel region in the entire window mode. Accordingly, if ascroll operation is applied to the touch screen 151, the automatictranslation function may be continuously performed such that only textinformation translated into the mother tongue may be displayed. In thiscase, when a reference time lapses, the displayed specific web page 1801may undergo a page conversion into a translation result displayed on thepanel region in the entire window mode, and the display state of thepanel region may be automatically terminated. Accordingly, a presetcolor (e.g., gray) indicating the panel region may disappear.

As another example, if the drag input applied to the panel region 1820is released without exceeding the intermediate line of the touch screen151, the expanded panel region 1820L may be converted into the originalpanel region 1820 after being displayed for a reference time (e.g., 2˜3seconds). In this case, may be output a visual effect that the expandedpanel region 1820L is elastically reduced like a rubber band or has itssize gradually decreased. Further, as the size of the expanded panelregion 1820L is reduced, text lines on the web page 1801 exposed by thereduced degree may be converted into the original foreign language.

Although not shown, while the panel region 1820 (or the expanded panelregion 1820L or the panel region in an entire window mode) is beingdisplayed, if a touch input applied to the panel region is downwarddragged, the displayed state of the panel region may be terminatedregardless of a size. Then, all of the translation results of thespecific web page 1801 may disappear, and the web page 1801 written inthe foreign language may be displayed in an entire window mode.

In response to a change of a part of the specific web page 1801 coveredby the panel region along a path of a drag input applied to the panelregion, the controller 180 may gradually apply a translation functioninterworked with the specific web page 1801 to the part, or may releasethe applied function.

Accordingly, while the drag input applied to the panel region is draggedup and down, the translation applied to the part of the specific webpage 1801 may be linearly converted into a translation in the originalforeign language, or may be linearly (rapidly) converted into atranslation in the mother tongue. As a result, a region where theforeign language is written, and a region where the mother tongue iswritten may be rapidly compared with each other line by line. Then, if adownward drag input starting from one point of the panel region isreleased, the controller 180 may terminate the displayed state of thepanel region.

In the aforementioned embodiment, while a specific screen is beingdisplayed, a function frequently used through an interwork with thespecific screen may be immediately performed by withdrawing a panelregion. Further, an application range and an application object of thefunction may be controlled by sliding the panel region up and down, anda state before applying the function and a state after applying thefunction may be rapidly compared with each other.

FIGS. 19A˜19B, 20A˜20B, 21A˜21B, 22A˜22C, 23 and 24 show variousembodiments to control an application (applied state) of a functionrelated to a page, by changing a size of a panel region, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19A shows an example to apply a specific filter value to a camerapreview screen by a desired amount, by changing a size of a panelregion. Referring to FIG. 19A, while a preview screen 1901 correspondingan executed camera application is being displayed on the touch screen151, if a touch gesture to call a panel region is received, icons 1911,1912, 1913, 1914 corresponding to various filter values related to thepreview screen 1901 are displayed within the panel region 1902. In thiscase, if there is no desired filter value, a swipe touch input may beapplied to the panel region right and left such that a desired filtervalue may be searched.

If the icon 1911 of a desired filter value is selected, an applicationresult of the desired filter value is immediately displayed on an entirepart of the panel region 1920. The filter value is applied to a part1902 a of the preview screen 1901, which corresponds to the panel region1920, and the remaining part maintains the original state. Accordingly,a state before applying the desired filter value, and a state afterapplying the desired filter value may be immediately compared with eachother. If another filter value is to be applied to the preview screen1901 in a different manner, one of the other icons 1912, 1913, 1914 maybe selected.

If an upward drag input to upward move the panel region 1920 is applied,an application region of a desired filter value on the preview screenmay be increased. More specifically, if a touch input applied to a topline of the panel region 1920 is dragged upward, the size of the panelregion is gradually increased (1920L) along a path of the touch input,and a region (1902 b) on the preview screen where a corresponding filtervalue is applied is also gradually increased. In this case, if the draginput is applied up to the upper end of the touch screen 151, thecorresponding filter value may be applied to an entire region of thepreview screen (1902 c).

FIG. 19B shows an example to control a panorama length of a camera bychanging a size of a panel region. Referring to FIG. 19B, while thetouch screen 151 is being displayed in a horizontal direction in acamera panorama mode, if a drag input is leftward applied from a rightend of the touch screen 151, a panel region is withdrawn from the rightend of the touch screen 151, and a panorama length control function isimmediately interworked.

In this case, while a specific scene 1903 of a panorama is beingdisplayed, a thumbnail image 1930 indicating a previous scene 1931 and anext scene 1932 based on a current position (PP) may be provided to thetouch screen 151. As the panel region 1920 is withdrawn, the next sceneon the thumbnail image 1930 is reduced (1932 a) by a lengthcorresponding to the withdrawn length of the panel region.

Next, if the panel region is more extended (1920L) along a path of thedrag input applied to the withdrawn panel region, the next scene on thethumbnail image 1930 is more reduced (1932 b) by a length correspondingto the extended length of the panel region. On the other hand, if thepanel region is pushed toward the right end of the touch screen 151, theshortened length of the panorama may be increased again. If the draginput applied to the panel region is released, the panorama length isfixed to a corresponding length (1930′) and the panel region disappearsautomatically.

Although not shown, a length of the previous scene based on the currentposition of the panorama may be controlled by withdrawing a panel regionfrom a left end of the touch screen 151. The aforementioned operationmay be similarly applied at the time of controlling a length of aconsecutively-captured image by a camera burst shot.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate examples to rapidly check content of adesired event by changing a size of a panel region.

Referring to FIG. 20A, a home screen including a plurality of objectsmay be displayed on the touch screen 151. The plurality of objects mayinclude icons of applications, widgets, buttons, menus, files, folders,images, links, etc. One or more badge-type graphic objects indicatingthat there is an unchecked event at a corresponding application may bedisplayed at one or more of the plurality of objects. The event meansoccurrence of an event which influences on an operation of at least oneapplication installed at the mobile terminal, occurrence of an eventwhich changes an item of database (or a data file) related to at leastone application, or occurrence of an event which transmits data to anexternal terminal or an external network through the at least oneapplication. For instance, the event may be a call reception, a messagereception, or the like. Accordingly, the unchecked event may be anunchecked state of a completed update, no reply to a call reception, areception of an unchecked message, etc.

Referring to FIG. 20A, a first icon 2012 having no event is displayedwith no graphic object, and a call application icon 2011 is displayedwith a first graphic object 2011 b indicating that there are two missedcalls. And an e-mail application icon 2013 is displayed with a secondgraphic object 2013 b indicating that there are two e-mails unchecked.

In this case, if an input to call a panel region is received, thecontroller 180 may recognize whether there exists an object displayedwithin a home screen 2001 covered by a withdrawn panel region, and mayrecognize whether an event has occurred from the corresponding object.If there is an event corresponding to an object covered by the panelregion, the controller 180 may provide event information of thecorresponding object to the panel region. Accordingly, as shown in FIG.20A, information related to two missed calls (e.g., missed calls fromTom and Mike) 2021, 2022 is provided within the panel region 2020.

Then, if an upper end of the panel region 2020 is more moved upward(2020 l) based on the drag input such that the e-mail application icon2013 is included in the panel region 2020 l, information related to twounchecked e-mails 2023, 2024 is further provided within the panel region2020 l. In this case, the event-related information provided within thepanel region 2020 or 2020 l may be provided with not only content of acorresponding event, but also a menu icon for an immediate reply or amenu icon for immediately entering a corresponding application step.

If the upper end of the panel region 2020 l is upward moved up to theupper end of the touch screen 151, all of event informationcorresponding to the objects displayed on the home screen 2001 may bedisplayed, and the panel region may disappear when a reference timelapses. In this case, the graphic objects indicating the uncheckedevents and displayed on the home screen 2001 disappear, and thecorresponding objects are displayed with graphic objects indicating anevent checked state (2013′, 2011′).

As another example, referring to FIG. 20B, while a locked screen isbeing displayed on the touch screen 151, notification icons indicatingoccurrence of events may be displayed on the locked screen 2002. In thiscase, for protection of user's private information, only minimuminformation related to an event (e.g., message arrival information andnotification information of a corresponding application) may be providedonto the locked screen 2002.

If an input to call a panel region is received in such a locked state,event information (e.g., ‘I miss you’.) 2021 corresponding to a firstnotification icon may be immediately displayed on a withdrawn panelregion 2020. In this case, the event information 2021 is displayed on aregion corresponding to the position of the notification icon on thelocked screen. Further, the event information 2021 may be a preview ofan occurred event (e.g., a preview of a received message).

If the panel region 2020 is upward moved gradually, event information2022 corresponding to a second notification icon and event information2023 corresponding to a third notification icon, may be furtherdisplayed within extended panel regions 2020 a, 2020 b, in addition tothe event information 2021 corresponding to the first notification icon.In case of the event information 2022 and the event information 2023related to a setting of a specific operation, command buttons (e.g.,‘snooze’ and ‘stop’) to change a set specific operation or to set a nextoperation may be provided.

Although not shown, if the extended panel region 2020 a or 2020 b isdownward moved, the displayed event information 2023, 2022, 2021 may beprovided with notification icons (unchecked state) or may disappear in achecked state, in reverse order to the display order. Then, if the panelregion is upward moved on the locked screen, it may be determined thatthere is no event information to be displayed. And an application resultof another function related to the locked screen may be provided to thepanel region, or the operation shown in FIG. 20B may be repeatedlyperformed.

Hereinafter, examples to rapidly change or add information inputtingmeans by changing a size of a panel region will be explained withreference to FIGS. 21A and 21B.

Referring to FIG. 21A, while a first page 2101 is being displayed on thetouch screen 151, a virtual keyboard 2102 for inputting information tothe first page 2101 may be popped-up on a lower side of the touch screen151. In this case, in order to use a function of another application asan information inputting means, an addition icon should be selected fromthe virtual keyboard, and then an additional input process for enteringa desired application should be performed. Especially, in order tochange a selected function, a backward operation should be performed,and then the aforementioned processes should be performed from thebeginning. This may cause a user's inconvenience.

In order to solve such problems, FIG. 21A proposes an example to rapidlychange information inputting means corresponding to variousapplications, by changing a size of a panel region. More specifically,while the virtual keyboard 2102 is being displayed, if an input to calla panel region is received, a clipboard region 2103 may be immediatelyprovided within a panel region. For instance, when an input to call apanel region is received, the clipboard region 2103 may be graduallywithdrawn from the lower end of the touch screen 151.

If the size of the panel region is changed, the controller 180 mayprovide an extended information inputting means. In this case, thecontroller 180 may change the information inputting means step by step,based on a changed degree of the size of the panel region.

More specifically, if the clipboard region 2103 is moved upward, athumbnail list 2104 of a gallery application is displayed within anextended panel region 2120L. A scroll operation may be applied to thethumbnail list 2104 to search for a desired image. And if a specificimage is selected, the image is input as information. If the extendedpanel region 2120L is upward moved up to the upper end of the touchscreen 151, the thumbnail list 2104 is converted into a preview screen2105 of a camera application. Once a capturing is performed through thepreview screen 2105, a captured image is input as information.

On the other hand, if a downward drag input starting from an upper endof the preview screen 2105 is applied, the aforementioned differentinformation inputting means 2104, 2103, 2102 are displayed according toa drag degree of the drag input, in reverse order to the display order.Accordingly, a user may rapidly search and select information inputtingmeans of various applications, by merely dragging the panel region upand down.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 21B, while a specific type (e.g.,English) of virtual keyboard 2102 is being displayed on the touch screen151, if an input to call a panel region is applied, another type ofvirtual keyboard may be added rapidly. For instance, in case offrequently repeating English and symbols when inputting information to adisplayed page 2101, a swipe input should be performed right and left onthe virtual keyboard 2102 every time in a conventional manner, or asymbol/character key should be toggled to change a keyboard type everytime. This may cause user's inconvenience.

In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 21B, while a specifictype (e.g., English) of virtual keyboard 2102 is being displayed on thetouch screen 151, if an input to call a panel region 2120 is applied,the displayed specific type of virtual keyboard 2102 may be upward movedwhile another type of virtual keyboard (e.g., symbols) 2102 a may beadded to a region below the specific type of virtual keyboard 2102. Thismay allow a user to input English texts and symbols in a consecutivemanner.

The controller 180 may control a scrolled degree of keys on the specifictype of virtual keyboard 2102 (hereinafter, ‘first type keyboard’) andkeys on the new virtual keyboard 2102 a displayed on the panel region(hereinafter, ‘second type keyboard’), according to a drag degree of adrag touch input applied to the panel region.

In this case, a range of keys to be scrolled may be changed according toa release point of the drag touch input. For instance, as shown in FIG.21B, if a drag touch input starting from the lower end of the touchscreen 151 is released on an upper end of the first type keyboard 2102,the panel region 2120 is extended (2120 l), and all of the keys on thefirst type keyboard and the second type keyboard are converted intoother type of keys (2102 b). On the other hand, if the drag touch inputstarting from the lower end of the touch screen 151 is released on aregion within the second type keyboard 2102 a, or if a drag touch inputstarting from a lower end of the second type keyboard 2102 a is releasedon the upper end of the first type keyboard 2102, only keys of one ofthe first type keyboard and the second type keyboard which is includedin a path of the drag touch input may be converted into another type ofkeys. In this case, keys of another of the first type keyboard and thesecond type keyboard which is not included in the path of the drag touchinput may be maintained.

Hereinafter, examples to rapidly check detailed information of aplurality of displayed items by moving a top line of a panel region,will be explained with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22B.

Firstly, referring to FIG. 22A, a list 2210 of a plurality of messageroom items 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215 corresponding to anexecuted message application, may be displayed on the touch screen 151of the mobile terminal 100. While the list 2210 is being displayed, ifan input to call a panel region is received, the controller 180 mayrecognize an item contacting a top line of a panel region 2220. Then,the controller 180 may provide detailed information of the recognizeditem, within the panel region 2220.

Since the panel region 2220 is firstly generated to have a preset size,a part 2221 of a chatting screen of the message room item 2215 (‘Amy’)contacting the top line (TL1) of the panel region 2220, is displayedwithin the panel region. In this case, if an up and down flicking touchinput is applied onto any point rather than the top line (TL1) of thepanel region 2220, a scroll signal is generated to search for anotherpart of the chatting screen. If the touch point of the touch inputapplied to the top line (TL1) of the panel region 2220 is upward moved,the panel region is extended (2220 l) and the position of the top line(TL1) is changed.

A user may rapidly check corresponding detailed information by movingthe top line (TL1) of the panel region 2220 l to a position of a desireditem, without entering the desired item. For instance, if the top line(TL1) of the panel region 2220 l is moved to the message room item 2213indicating a phone number of ‘010-1234-4567’, a part of a chattingscreen corresponding to the message room item 2213 is provided withinthe panel region 2220 l. With such a configuration, a user may rapidlysearch and check detailed information of a plurality of items, while alist including the plurality of items is maintained.

FIG. 22B shows an example to rapidly check contact information of aspecific person within a contact information list 2230 by moving aposition of a top line of a panel region 2220, in a case where thecontact information list 2230 corresponding to an executed callapplication is displayed on the touch screen 151. As shown in FIG. 22B,contact information corresponding to Amy's contact information item 2235may be displayed within the panel region 2220. In this case, the sameperson's contact information (e.g., e-mail, other contact informationmeans, profile information, etc.) recorded in other applicationsinterworked with the call application may be further displayed withinthe panel region 2220. Further, execution menus to send a call to ‘Amy’or to send a message to ‘Amy’ may be provided together within the panelregion 2220. In the aforementioned embodiment, a user may rapidly searchand check detailed information of an item contacting an upward ordownward-moved top line of a panel region, by sliding the panel regionup and down.

As another example, FIG. 22C shows an example to differently processinformation provided to a panel region based on a release point of adrag touch input, without changing a size of the panel region.

As shown in FIG. 22C, a plurality of images 2241, 2242, 2243corresponding to an executed gallery application may be displayed on thetouch screen 151, as a list 2230 in the form of a grid view. While thelist 2230 is being displayed, if an input to call a panel region isreceived, a panel region 2220 may be withdrawn, and the withdrawn panelregion 2220 may be used as an image editing region. In this case, animage output to a region where a drag touch input starting from anypoint on the panel region 2220 is released, is an object to be edited.

More specifically, a detailed view 2224 of a first image 2243 isdisplayed on the panel region 2220 while a drag touch input is fixed tothe first image 2243 included in the list 2230. Then, if the drag touchinput is released on the corresponding position, an edition mode of thedetailed view 2224 is immediately executed. As a result, various toolboxes corresponding to the edition mode may be provided to the panelregion 2220, and a user may perform an editing operation such asdrawing, cutting and coloring with respect to the detailed view 2224 byusing the provided tool boxes.

If a drag touch input starting from any point on the panel region 2220is released on a second image 2242 displayed on an upper end of thelist, a detailed view of the second image 2242 is provided within thepanel region 2220. In this case, while the drag touch input ismaintained, the size of the panel region may be maintained. Further,while the drag touch input is maintained, an up and down scrolloperation on the list 2230 may undergo a breaking process.

If a video image is included in the list 2230, or if a drag touch inputis fixed to a specific video or is released on the specific video,moving images not still images of the corresponding video may becontinuously played on the panel region 2220. Even if a drag touch inputis fixed to a burst shot or a panorama image included in the list 2230or is released on the burst shot or the panorama image, all consecutiveimages of the burst shot or entire panorama images may be provided tothe panel region 2220, similar to the aforementioned embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows an example to automatically record and store call contentby calling a panel region during a call.

Referring to FIG. 23, if an input to call a panel region is receivedduring a voice call or a video call, the controller 180 may immediatelyenter a voice recognition mode. In the voice recognition mode (speech totext: STT), the controller 180 may convert voices of a user and anotherparty who are performing a voice call or a video call, and then mayprovide the converted text 2321 in real time, within a panel region 2320layered on a screen 2301 during a call. In this case, in order to easilydistinguish the user's voice from the another party's voice visually,different colors may be displayed on the panel region 2320, or callcontent may be displayed on different regions (e.g., one is displayed onthe left and another is displayed on the right). Further, recorded callcontent may be rapidly searched during a call, by applying a flickingtouch input right and left or up and down, within the panel region 2320(or 2320 l). Once the voice call or the video call is terminated, theactivated voice recognition mode may be automatically terminated.

If a drag touch input to upward move the panel region 2320 is applied,the size of the panel region 2320 is increased (2320 l) and a largernumber of texts are provided within the extended panel region 2320 l. Ifthe panel region 2320 l is upward moved by more than a reference range,menus related to a processing of recorded call content (e.g., ‘Edit’ and‘Save’) (B1, B2) may be provided to a lower end of the panel region 2320l. If the drag touch input applied to the panel region 2320 l is appliedup to the upper end of the touch screen 151, the voice recognition modeis terminated, and all call content recorded on the panel region 2320 lis immediately stored. Then, if a voice call is being performed, thescreen 2301 is converted into an execution screen 2302 of a specificapplication (e.g., a Q-memo application) for checking and editing thestored call content. On the other hand, if a video call is beingperformed, the screen 2301 may be continuously displayed.

FIG. 24 shows an example to apply a sub function of a specific functionstep by step, by changing a size of a panel region.

Referring to FIG. 24, an execution screen 2401 of an SNS application maybe displayed on the touch screen 151. While the execution screen 2401 isbeing displayed, if an input to call a panel region is received, buddyinformation 2421 bookmarked in the SNS application is provided to apanel region 2420, in the form of execution icons, for example.

In this case, the controller 180 may detect a sub function of a functionrelated to a first page, if the size of the panel region is changedbased on a drag touch input applied to the panel region. And thecontroller 180 may provide, to the panel region, a result obtained byapplying the detected sub function to the first page. For instance, as asub function of the buddy information 2421 bookmarked in FIG. 24, arecent update information aggregator function with respect to thebookmarked buddies may be detected. And a collected recent updateinformation view 2422 may be further provided to an extended panelregion 2420 l.

If the extended panel region 2420 l is upward moved up to the upper endof the touch screen 151, a screen 2423 to write a reply or a commentwith respect to the collected recent update information is displayed onthe panel region in an entire window mode. With such a configuration, auser may rapidly enter a sub function of a current page step by step, byusing the panel region, without entering an application.

If the extended panel region 2420 l is downward moved based on a dragtouch input, the aforementioned collected recent update information view2422 and the bookmarked buddy information 2421 may be displayed inreverse order to the display order. Then, if the drag touch input isreleased, the displayed state of the panel region is terminated. Withsuch a configuration, a user may rapidly enter or be out of a sub stepor a high step of a current page, by merely sliding the panel region upand down.

So far, have been explained various examples to rapidly control anapplication (an applied state) of a specific function by changing a sizeof a panel region. Hereinafter, will be explained various examples toutilize a user's usage pattern when determining such a specificfunction.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example to automatically execute a relatedspecific function based on a user's usage pattern, while an executionscreen 2501 of a map application is being displayed on the touch screen151.

More specifically, while the execution screen 2501 of a map applicationis being displayed, if an input to call a panel region is received, thecontroller 180 may immediately search for a related function on thedisplayed execution screen 2501, based on a previously-repeated usagepattern. And the controller 180 may immediately execute the searchedfunction while a panel region is being withdrawn. For instance, agraphic object indicating a panel region being withdrawn is output (notshown in FIG. 25), and an indicator 2510 informing that the searchedfunction (e.g., buddy search function) is being executed is popped-up.

The controller 180 may generate and store a usage pattern repeated onthe execution screen 2501 of the map application or repeated on the mapapplication. Here, the usage pattern may be generated when a specificmenu, a function, or call or execution of another application isrepeated on a corresponding page, a predetermined number of times (e.g.,at least 5 times). Alternatively, the usage pattern may be generatedwith consideration of environment conditions (e.g., a position of themobile terminal, a current time, an operation state of the mobileterminal, etc.) when a specific menu, a function, or call or executionof another application is repeated on a corresponding page. Forinstance, FIG. 25 illustrates an example to repeatedly use a buddysearch function by a user when a map application is executed. In a casewhere a navigation function has been mainly used when a map applicationis executed, if an input to call a panel region is received, thenavigation function to guide a specific destination (e.g., home) may beimmediately executed.

The controller 180 may continuously learn and update the usage patternbased on a processing of information displayed on the panel region.

Next, an execution result of the buddy search function is displayed on amap screen 2502 where buddies' positions (FP1, FP2, FP3) have beendisplayed. In this case, the execution result on the panel region maynot be displayed or may be output in an entire window mode. In thelatter case, a background color of the map screen 2502 may be changed.If a downward drag touch input starting from the upper end of the touchscreen 151 is applied, the buddy search function is terminated, and theexecution screen 2501 of the map application is displayed again.

As another example, FIG. 26 illustrates an example to rapidly callsecurity card information from an account transfer screen 2601 of afinance application, based on a usage pattern.

More specifically, while the account transfer screen 2601 is beingdisplayed, if an input to call a panel region is received, thecontroller 180 may detect a usage pattern which has been used to searchfor a security card image, by mainly executing a gallery application onthe account transfer screen 2601. Accordingly, a process to provide asecurity card image 2622 stored in the gallery application to awithdrawn panel region 2620 may be immediately executed.

In this case, for protection of user's private information, afingerprint recognition screen 2621 may be firstly displayed on thepanel region 2620 as a procedure to authenticate a user. Once afingerprint recognition is completed, the called security card image2622 is immediately provided within the panel region 2620. If there area plurality of called security card images, it is possible to apply aswipe input to the panel region 2620 right and left and to search for asuitable security card image.

As still another example, FIG. 27 illustrates an example toautomatically execute a specific function with consideration ofenvironment conditions (e.g., illumination information) at the time ofcalling a panel region.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, if an illumination value aroundthe mobile terminal is less than a reference value (it is dark) or ifthe mobile terminal is positioned outdoors at a nighttime at a timepoint when a panel region is generated, a screen filter value may beapplied to a page displayed on the touch screen 151 (2702). For this,the controller 180 may activate an illumination sensor while a firstpage is being displayed, and may search for a screen filter valuesuitable to enhance a visibility, based on an illumination valueobtained through the illumination sensor at a time point when an inputto call a panel region is received.

On the other hand, if an illumination value around the mobile terminalis much more than the reference value (it is bright) or if the mobileterminal is positioned outdoors at noon, approximately, at a time pointwhen a panel region is generated, a screen filter value set to preventblue light may be applied to a page displayed on the touch screen 151.

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C illustrate examples to rapidly reconfigure adisplayed page according to a user's preference, by calling a panelregion.

Referring to FIG. 28A, a web page 2801 may be displayed on the touchscreen 151, and the web page 2801 may include one or more advertisementcontents 2811, 2812, 2813 on any positions. In this case, a user mayremove the advertisement contents 2811, 2812, 2813 from the web page2801 by applying an input to call a panel region.

More specifically, while the web page 2801 is being displayed, if aninput to call a panel region is received, the controller 180 may extracta specific type of information from the displayed web page 2801. Thespecific type of information may be advertisement content, and thespecific type may be determined based on the aforementioned usagepattern. Then, the controller 180 may reconfigure the displayed state ofthe web page 2801, based on the extracted specific type of information.As a result, other information included in the web page 2801 may befilled in empty spaces from which the advertisement contents have beenremoved, and information shown by a scroll operation or informationdisplayed on another page may be arranged in spaces of otherinformation.

In this case, notification information (e.g., hidden advertisement)indicating a reconfigured state of the displayed web page (2801′) may bedisplayed on a withdrawn panel region 2820. If the displayed panelregion 2820 is terminated while the panel region 2820 is downward moved,the reconfigured web page 2801′ is converted into the original web page.As a result, the web page 2801 including the advertisement contents2811, 2812, 2813 may be displayed.

FIG. 28B illustrates an example to rapidly remove a spam message itemfrom a list 2802 corresponding to an executed message application. Morespecifically, while the list 2802 including a plurality of message items2814, 2815, 2816, 2817, 2818 is being displayed, if an input to call apanel region is received, the controller 180 may recognize spam messageitems on the list 2802. Then, the controller 180 may remove therecognized message items from the list 2802, and may display areconfigured list 2802′. In this case, a message 2822 indicating ahidden state of spam messages may be displayed on a withdrawn panelregion 2820. A reconfigured list 2802′ includes only message items 2831,2832, 2833 related to persons stored in a phone number directory.

FIG. 28C illustrates an example to rapidly view only a specific type ofinformation, on a web page 2803 formed of various types of information(i.e., multimedia information). Referring to FIG. 28C, the web page 2803formed of various types of information such as texts, images, and videosmay be displayed on the touch screen 151. While the web page 2803 isbeing displayed, if an input to call a panel region is received, areconfigured web page 2803 a including only text type information isdisplayed. And first notification information (e.g., Text) 2823indicating a type of currently displayed information may be displayed ona withdrawn panel region 2820. In this case, second notificationinformation which guides conversion into another type (e.g., Image) 2824may be displayed on the right side of the first notificationinformation. If a user applies a flicking input to the panel region 2820along a display direction of the second notification information, theweb page 2803 a reconfigured with text type information is convertedinto a web page 2803 b reconfigured with image type informationcorresponding to the second notification information 2824.

In this case, the second notification information 2824 is arranged onthe panel region 2820, at the region where the first notificationinformation has been displayed. And the first notification information2823 is moved to the left side of the panel region 2820. Thirdnotification information (e.g., Video) 2825 which guides conversion intostill another type may be displayed on the right side of the panelregion 2820. A user may rapidly check a page reconfigured with only adesired type of information, by flicking the panel region 2820 right andleft.

Under such a state, if the panel region 2820 is downward moved, thepanel region 2820 is terminated, and the original web page 2803including all multimedia information is displayed again.

Although not shown, if a panel region is executed on a list including aplurality of items, the controller may display a list reconfigured byextracting only items having unchecked events. In this case, a userneeds not repeat a scroll operation to search for items having uncheckedevents. Further, a user may perform the operation aforementioned withreference to FIGS. 22A and 22B on the reconfigured list, thereby rapidlychecking a specific event by using a panel region without entering itemshaving unchecked events.

Hereinafter, various embodiments to provide a function related to aspecific object included in a displayed page, to a panel region will beexplained with reference to FIGS. 29A-29B, 30A-30C, and 31A-31B.

If a specific object is selected from a displayed first page, thecontroller 180 may apply a function related to the first page only tothe selected specific object, and may provide an application result ofthe function to a panel region.

In an embodiment, the controller 180 may differently determine a type ofthe function related to the first page, based on a type of informationincluded in the selected specific object. For instance, a functionexecuted through a panel region when an image object is selected from aspecific page, may be completely different from a function executedthrough the panel region when a text object is selected from thespecific page.

In an embodiment, a search range of a function may be changed accordingto whether an object selection from a first page is performed before orafter a panel region is generated. For instance, if an object isselected before a panel region is generated, it may be determined that auser wishes to be further provided with detailed information on theobject. As a result, a relevant function may be limitedly searched, withconsideration of a purpose to display the object on the page, a sharingintention, and entire contents output to the displayed page. That is, asearch range of a function to be applied to a specific object may belimited to entire contents of the page, a purpose to display the objecton the page, or a sharing intention. On the other hand, if an object isselected after a panel region is generated, it may be determined that auser has not wished to select the object at first. Accordingly, a searchrange of a function may not be limited.

FIGS. 29A and 29B show examples to firstly generate a panel region andthen to select a specific object, in a case where a user has not wishedto select the specific object.

FIG. 29A illustrates an example to provide a dictionary search result ofa specific object to a panel region. While a web page 2901 is beingdisplayed on the touch screen 151, if an input to generate a panelregion 2920 is received, an application result (e.g., translation inKorean) of a function related to the web page 2901 may be provided tothe panel region 2920, although not shown. In this case, if a userperforms a proximity touch to the web page 2901, a dictionary searchfunction, one of general functions, may be searched. As a result, anotification icon 2911 which induces selection of a specific object ispopped-up on an upper end of the web page 2901.

If a specific word (e.g., ‘effect’) 2912 is selected as a response tothe popped-up notification icon 2911, a recommended word screen 2921 tocheck whether the selected specific word is correct or not, may beprovided to the panel region 2920. If a word (‘effect’) to be searchedfrom a dictionary is selected from the recommended word screen 2921, thecontroller 180 searches a meaning of the word (‘effect’) from adictionary, and immediately provides a search result to the panel region2920. If a touch input is consecutively applied to another word on theweb page 2901, a dictionary search result of the touched another wordmay be provided to the panel region 2920.

As another example, FIG. 29B illustrates an example to provide a resultof searching for contact information of a specific person correspondingto a specific object. For instance, while a message chatting screen 2902with a specific person is being displayed, if a panel region is called,special information may not be provided within a withdrawn panel region2920, as shown in FIG. 29B.

In this case, if a preset touch input (e.g., a long touch input or atouch input having a high pressure) is applied to a specific personmessage region 2913 on the message chatting screen 2902, contactinformation 2923 of the specific person who has sent the specific personmessage region 2913, may be provided to the panel region 2920. In thiscase, if a call icon on the contact information 2923 is touched, a callis immediately performed as the message chatting screen 2902 isconverted into a call screen 2903.

FIGS. 30A˜30C show examples to firstly select a specific object and thento generate a panel region, in a case where a user has an intention tolimitedly apply a function to the specific object.

Referring to FIG. 30A, map information 3011 shared on a message chattingscreen 3001 may be selected as an object. In this case, the objectselection may be performed as a user applies a touch input exceeding areference pressure, to a message region where the map information 3011has been output. Then, if an input to call a panel region is received,the controller 180 may recognize a sharing purpose of the mapinformation 3011 (e.g., a notification of a meeting place), and mayprovide detailed information 3021, 3022 on a withdrawn panel region3020. Here, the detailed information is related to the sharing purpose,and may be navigation information from a current position of the mobileterminal to a meeting place displayed on the sharing content, lodginginformation near the meeting place displayed on the sharing content,etc. If the specific information 3021 is selected from the panel region3020, a detailed view of the specific information 3021 is displayed inan entire window mode (3002).

As another example, FIG. 30B illustrates an example to call a panelregion, after meeting date information 3012 shared on a message chattingscreen 3003 is selected as an object. More specifically, if an input tocall a panel region is received, the controller 180 may recognize asharing purpose of the meeting date information 3012 (e.g., anotification of a meeting date), and may call a screen of an applicationrelated to the sharing purpose, e.g., a calendar screen 3023 of acalendar application. Then, the controller 180 may provide the calledscreen to a panel region 3020. A schedule mark 3023P on the meeting datemay be automatically displayed on the calendar screen 3023. A user mayselect a ‘save’ button provided on an upper end of the panel region 3020to immediately store the meeting date as a schedule.

As another example, FIG. 30C illustrates an example to call a panelregion, after a word (e.g., ‘V20’) 3013 included in a specific messageon a message chatting screen 3004 is selected as an object. Morespecifically, if an input to call a panel region is received, thecontroller 180 may recognize the selected word, and may understand aselection purpose of the word with consideration of entire chat contentson the message chatting screen 3004. For instance, if the entire chatcontents on the message chatting screen 3004 are related to a new mobilephone, the controller 180 may limit a web search range of the selectedword (‘V20’) to a new mobile phone. As a result, V20 launching newsinformation 3024 may be provided to a withdrawn panel region 3020. Inthis case, if a user pushes a sharing button provided on an upper end ofthe panel region 3020, the V20 launching news information 3024 providedto the panel region 3020 may be immediately shared with another party onthe message chatting screen 3004 (3014).

FIGS. 31A and 31B are examples to rapidly search and align relevantimages by using a panel region, in a case where a specific person isselected as an object from images stored in a gallery application.

Referring to FIG. 31A, if a specific image 3101 is displayed on thetouch screen 151 and a facial region is selected from the specific image3101 based on a touch input, the controller 180 may recognize a specificperson corresponding to the selected facial region. As a result, a mark(e.g., ‘Tom’) 3111 indicating the recognized specific person may bedisplayed around the selected facial region. Then, if an input to call apanel region is received, the controller 180 may search for imagesincluding the recognized specific person from a gallery application, andmay provide the searched images to a panel region 3120. Accordingly, auser may immediately check the images including the specific person andcaptured in different places at different times. If one (3121) of theimages provided to the panel region 3120 is selected, the panel regionis terminated, and the displayed specific image 3101 is converted into adetailed view 3102 of the selected image 3121.

Referring to FIG. 31B, if a panel region is called again while a galleryapplication is being executed, most recent images, i.e., imagesincluding ‘Tom’ are provided to a panel region 3120 again. Then, if aspecific image 3121 is selected from the images provided to the panelregion 3120, a detailed view 3102 of the selected image 3121 isdisplayed in an entire window mode, and the panel region 3120 isterminated. In this case, the controller 180 may store therein pathinformation and a display order of the image displayed in the entirewindow mode. Accordingly, if the panel region 3120 is called again, notonly the images including ‘Tom’, but also an image 3101 displayed in anentire window mode before the specific image 3121 is selected may beprovided to the panel region 3120. As a result, a user can rapidlyselect the lastly-viewed image by using the panel region.

Although not shown, while the specific image 3101 or 3102 is beingdisplayed in the entire window mode, if a touch input exceeding areference pressure is applied to a background region, the controller 180may recognize a capturing place of the corresponding image based on aGPS. Then, if an input to call the panel region is received, imagescaptured at the same place may be aligned on the panel region.

In the aforementioned embodiments, in the display unit having abezel-less structure or a narrow bezel portion, information output tothe display unit and a supplementary screen region interact with eachother. This may allow a multi-tasking with respect to the informationoutput to the display unit, to be performed more easily. Further, anapplication range or an application object of a specific function may berapidly changed by sliding the supplementary screen region up and down.This may allow a state before the specific function is applied and astate after the specific function is applied, to be immediately comparedwith each other. Further, when the supplementary screen region iscalled, a function which has been frequently used may be directlyexecuted without undergoing a plurality of steps.

The present invention can be implemented as computer-readable codes in aprogram-recorded medium. The computer-readable medium may include alltypes of recording devices each storing data readable by a computersystem. Examples of such computer-readable media may include hard diskdrive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM,CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage element and thelike. Also, the computer-readable medium may also be implemented as aformat of carrier wave (e.g., transmission via an Internet). Thecomputer may include the controller 180 of the terminal. Therefore, itshould also be understood that the above-described embodiments are notlimited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unlessotherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within itsscope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes andmodifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, orequivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to beembraced by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a touch screenconfigured to display a first page; and a controller configured to: inresponse to a preset gesture being applied to the touch screen while thefirst page is being displayed, generate a panel region having apredetermined transparency on a preset region of the touch screen, thepanel region including at least one first function icon corresponding toinformation displayed on the first page, and in response to the firstpage being converted into a second page, change the at least one firstfunction icon displayed on the panel region to at least one secondfunction icon corresponding to information displayed on the second page,wherein while an editor screen for a home screen including a pluralityof icons is being displayed on the first page, the plurality of iconsare displayed on the panel region in a deletable manner, wherein when atouch input is applied to a specific icon among the plurality of iconson the panel region, the controller controls the touch screen to deletethe specific icon from both the panel region and the first page, anddisplay an indicator indicating the deleted state of the specific iconfrom the home screen, on the first page, and wherein the controller isfurther configured to: when the specific icon is deleted from both thepanel region and the first page, generate a deletion tab in the panelregion, and display information of the deleted specific icon on thepanel region according to a user selection to the deletion tab.
 2. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if a scroll signal is received onthe panel region while one of the first and second pages is beingdisplayed, the displayed page and the at least one function icondisplayed on the panel region are simultaneously scrolled.
 3. The mobileterminal of claim 1, wherein if one of the at least one first and secondfunction icons is selected while the panel region is being displayed,the controller maintains the panel region, and applies an executionresult of a menu corresponding to the selected function icon to one ofthe at least one first and second pages.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim1, wherein the controller displays an indicator indicating a number ofdetailed setting items adjacent to the first icon displayed on the panelregion.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein while a plurality ofapplication icons are being displayed on the first page, applicationicons having unchecked events among the plurality of application iconsdisplayed on the first page are displayed on the panel region.
 6. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if a touch input applied to the atleast one first function icon is dragged into the first page out of thepanel region, an image having its size changed gradually is generated onthe panel region, and an execution screen corresponding to the firstfunction icon is displayed within the image.
 7. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein if a preset touch gesture is applied while the firstpage is being displayed, the controller displays, on the panel region,first search information obtained by searching information included inthe first page according to a first reference, wherein if a touch inputin one direction is applied to the panel region while the first searchinformation is being displayed, the first search information is changedto second search information obtained by searching the informationincluded in the first page according to a second reference, and whereinwhile the first search information and the second search information arebeing displayed on the panel region, the controller maintains thedisplayed state of the first page.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein if a part of the first page covered by the panel region ischanged along the path of the drag input, the function related to thefirst page is gradually applied to the part of the first page, or theapplied function is released.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim 8, whereinthe first page includes a plurality of objects, and at least part of theobjects is provided with a notification object indicating occurrence ofan event, and wherein if the part of the first page is changed along thepath of the drag input so as to include the object having thenotification object, the controller provides event informationcorresponding to the notification object to the panel region.
 10. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first page corresponds to a listincluding a plurality of items, and wherein the controller slides thepanel region up and down based on a drag input applied to the panelregion, recognizes a specific item included in the list and contacting atop line of the slid panel region which slides, and provides detailedinformation of the recognized specific item to the panel region.